Dear Readers,
Having received not one miserable request for advice, I have delved deeply into the Dear Sidney coffers for this week’s column. I am happy to see that forest fires and the threat of evacuation followed by rain and a sudden bombardment of hail has not upset anyone’s relationships and perhaps made them stronger. Enjoy the following.
September 11, 2022
Dear Sidney,
Over five years ago, I purchased my home with the inheritance left to me by my dear mother. Last year, at the age of seventy-two, I remarried. My wife, age sixty-two, and I live together in my house. I am mortgage-free, but for property taxes and insurance.
She helps with shared expenses, such as utilities, as best she can, and performs the customary wifely duties. Dag nab bit, I sure do love this woman. Suddenly, she stopped cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning my clothes and began chasing me around the house demanding that I put her name on the deed to my home. I currently have the property in trust for my three children. She is withholding physical companionship until I do as she asks. I’m saddened by this turn of events. Any advice would be appreciated.
Heartbroken Mountain Man
Dear Heartbroken,
I’d like to advise you to immediately kick the gold digger to the curb, but I won’t, although my readers might be cheering me on to do just that. Myself, I’ve been married four times. It’s just not that difficult to find a sweet talker who needs a place to live. I am not an attorney, but from my personal experience the following is what I know regarding California community property law. What your charming wife may not realize is that deeding her rights to your house will give her only an equity interest from the time her name is added to the deed, not a share in the current value. Property acquired before marriage is separate property. If this crazy real estate market continues, the value of your house might double in the next five years. If this toxic romance lasts another five years before the inevitable divorce, are you in a position to hand over to Nagging Delilah one-half of the increase in equity?
Of course, before doing anything drastic, you should consult with an attorney.
After all is said and done, what’s love got to do with it?
Sidney
0 Comments