[rumtum]

How do I go about changing my deed at the lowest cost, an online form would be great. When we bought our property my husband and I were not married so I want to change my name to my married name and my sister passed away so I want to remove her name. She had a will and her share of the house was left to us. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. House is in NJ. SAG

[LisaB4657]

If your sister's will was probated then the executor of her estate should have given you a deed transferring her interest to you and your husband. If you haven't received that deed then you need to contact the executor and request it immediately. You shouldn't have to pay anything other than the cost of recording the deed in the county clerk's office.

As for changing your name, you can prepare and record a quit claim deed that lists you (with your maiden name) and your husband as sellers, and you (with your married name) and your husband as buyers. However you have to make sure that the type of ownership is spelled out correctly. For example, when you bought the property were you and your husband listed as joint tenants or as tenants in common? It sounds like you may have been listed as tenants in common since your sister was also listed as an owner on the deed. So you might want to have the form of ownership changed to reflect joint tenancy.

I strongly recommend that you have this done by an attorney. It shouldn't be expensive and you'll know that it was done properly. If you try to do it yourself and make even a slight mistake then it can be very difficult and costly to fix.