Adding a Person to a House Title

[BBecka]

My question involves real estate located in the State of: Texas

My father passed away in June 2007 and my mother subsequently inherited their home. During the space a few months we had some trouble with her falling prey (or almost) to dishonest persons suckering her out of her home. In Spring of 2008 she gave me Power of Attorney so that I 'get to' handle her finances for her and pay all of her bills... :-) We were subsequently advised by bank staff (there is a mortgage on the house that both my father and mother are actually listed on) that we should have my name added to the title of her home -- in part to protect her from future potential scammers.

How do we go about this?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[gigirle]

Did you ask the bank what the easiest way would be? There are a few options and you should consider hiring or at least consulting an estate attorney. The initial consult should be free. Depending on her assets and what type of mortgage is held, you may want to just quik claim the deed to you to prevent from happening to her all together.

[BBecka]

The loan on the house is a home equity line of credit. Is this eligible for a quick claim deed?

[aaron]

It's "quitclaim". Any change in the ownership of the property may trigger an acceleration clause in the mortgage, so move carefully.

I am skeptical of the bank staff's advice, as co-ownership can open up a host of problems, and suggest seeking competent advice from an estate planning lawyer.