My domestic partner wants to make improvements to my home that I own. She wants me to add her to the deed before she does so. How will this affect me and my rights to my house should we split up?

Of course. If she's on the deed she's a part owner.

Who provided the down payment, and who's paying the mortgage? If you - then consider that as you build equity in the property ultimately you will have to split it with your partner. I suggest that if she wants to be on the deed as joint owner then she should first reimburse you for 1/2 the equity you currently have in the house (1/2 your down payment plus half the princial ypu've accumulated through mortgage payments to date). Then you can split future mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and capital improvement costs going forward.

- and in NY you will owe her for anything she pays for in the house that increases its value at the time of sale IF you split up.

Why not sign a loan agreement with her, use the money for the house. Have it written so that there are no payments unless/until you no longer live together. You stay together the repairs are made with the loan and you don't owe her anything. You split up, you owe her for the loan.

Attorneys in my area recommend these agreements when it's a "live in" situation.

She will be part owner of the home, but won't be on the note, I wouldn't do that unless I was sure this partner is going to be there forever. Actually, I wouldn't do it at all. :)

She will be part owner of the home, but won't be on the note, I wouldn't do that unless I was sure this partner is going to be there forever. Actually, I wouldn't do it at all. :)


It's actually illegal to change the title IF there's a loan against the property - OP would have to look at the mortgage papers.

It's actually illegal to change the title IF there's a loan against the property - OP would have to look at the mortgage papers.

If it was, don't do it!! Judy's recommendation of signed agreement sounds MUCH better, and it serves the same purpose.