We were married 2 yrs ago, and I moved into the home my husband purchased in 1996. I pay my income-proportionate part of the mortgage (1/3) and also for house maintenance & upgrades. We have put approximately $20,000 of work into the house (furnace, landscaping, concrete, etc) which means I've put in approximately $7,000.

House is in his name. If we sell, will I be entititled to a portion of the proceeds? Husband is looking at additional $40,000 in additions and work and I want to be cautious before I get into more personal debt for this.

Thoughts?

My thoughts are that you are not on the deed and you may want to request that your husband put you on it. If you were to divorce certain things would come in to play when the judge decides, potentially that he owned it prior to the marriage. The fact that you are asking indicates that you are aware that you need to do something. You are smart to question this. Ask him, if he disagrees, well? You will have to decide what is best from there.My suggestion would be to document everything that you contribute to the property in upgrades and repairs. Good Luck

Are you getting divorced ?

We were married 2 yrs ago, and I moved into the home my husband purchased in 1996. I pay my income-proportionate part of the mortgage (1/3) and also for house maintenance & upgrades. We have put approximately $20,000 of work into the house (furnace, landscaping, concrete, etc) which means I've put in approximately $7,000.

House is in his name. If we sell, will I be entititled to a portion of the proceeds? Husband is looking at additional $40,000 in additions and work and I want to be cautious before I get into more personal debt for this.

Thoughts?




Depends on the State you are in. Are you thinking of a divorce? If he sells right now it's his house and he keeps it all (unless you sue for divorce or sue him for what you have put into the house).

In NYS the Courts look at the value of the home, the increase over the period of the marriage, how much you put into the house and then make a determination as to percentage - if we're talking about divorce.