[LVS]

Hello, currently my brother and father's name are on a house deed, title, etc. My father passed away so we would need to remove his name from the house and my brother would like to add my name to the house. The house is paid for and carries no mortgage (if that matters).

We live in Massachusetts. We don't really want a lawyer if it can be avoided. Can you tell us the steps required to remove our father's name and add my name to the house? Where can I get the required paperwork? Thanks!

[ScottGem]

Who was executor of your father's estate? How is the title set up (Joint tenants with right of survivor?). Did your father leave a will? Did he leave any debts?

Its not as simple as just changing names on the deed.

[LVS]

Hi, thanks for writing back.

My father did not have a will. He also has no debts. Everything was assumed to be left to us.

We are his closest bloodline alive so everything would automatically go to us because there was no will set up. I'm not sure the type of title - either way it would go to us somehow.

I hope that answers questions. I think the simplest solution would be a quit claim deed but I'm sure I'm missing some steps in between. Also, where can I obtain a FREE quit claim deed online?

Thanks!

[ScottGem]

Its still not that simple. If the deed was made out to your father and brother as joint tenants with right of survivorship, then he can go to the country clerk with a copy of the death certificate and have your fathers name removed. He can then file a quit claim deed adding you to the deed. However, if it wasn't with right of survivorship, then you have to show your brother has the right to act in the estate's behalf. I would suggest that you get a title company to handle this for you.