What is the process of adding a name to a deed?
My aunt had a brain hemorrhage and she is single , unmarried, with no children. She wants to put my name on her home so that I can help her with the notes, and the upkeep. How do we start? She is 70 years old and is expected to recover.
Expert Answer
This is a lot more complicated than merely putting your name on the deed. "Putting your name on the deed" means adding you as an owner of the property and there are different ways that you can be made an owner of the property including being added as a tenant in common, a joint tenant or creating a trust to own the property with both of you as beneficiaries. Which of these would be best for your aunt depends on what her wishes are. You also may wish to consider the ramifications of adding you as an owner in regard to possible future Medicaid needs.
Preparing a deed by which you are added as an owner is a simple matter for any attorney, but deteriming the financial relationship of your ownership interests is complex and should be specifically tailored to her wishes and needs. I suggest that you contact a lawyer to help you with this.