In Sept. of 06 my cousin and I purchased a home together as joint tenants. I couldn't qualify for the mortgage on my own. We financed the home through the bank that I worked for at the time. I have lived in the house ever since. She knew at the time of purchase that I couldn't afford the house but insisted that I get it. Shortly after getting the house my cousing offered me a job stating I would make 3 times as much working for her as I did for the bank. Thinking that she had my best interest in mind I decided to go and work for her. It lasted about 17mos. and then I got fired because I was not at her every beck and call. Until 8-3-09 I had been paying the mortgage payments, taxes and insurance on the property. At this time I had been unemployeed for over a year and was having a hard time paying my bills. I was behind in the taxes of about 2100.00 for the 2008 tax year. My cousin is now suing me for the back taxes along with the mortgage payment she paid of $1006.23, not to mention she wants me to sign over my half of the house to her, without even taking the mortgage out of my name. Can she do this? Is this even legal? What does Joint Tenants mean? Will the judge force me to either pay her or move out? I was under the impression that the only people that could kick me out of my house would be the bank?

Please help!! I would like to hear from everyon!!

Joint tenancy means that if one of you dies, that person's share of the house automatically transfers to the other owner rather than becoming part of their estate.

Your cousin cannot force you to sign over your share of the house.

She is just as responsible for the costs of the house as you are. You should file a counterclaim against her for one-half of all of the mortgage, tax and insurance payments you've paid.