Location: Washington State
Today, a woman showed up at my house asking me to sign a quit claim deed. She said she’s buying the house I used to live in with my ex-husband. I just found out she’s actually been living in the house for the past 8 years and now wants to buy it — she’s putting $100k down, but apparently can’t close the deal without my signature.
Some background: I moved to the U.S. from the Philippines when I was 22 and married my ex. At some point during our marriage, he refinanced the house. I remember signing paperwork, but I had no idea what I was signing — I was young, naïve, and didn’t understand my rights.
After we separated, I thought I had no say in the house anymore. I didn’t realize I might still have legal rights. Instead of letting me stay, my ex let a friend (this woman) move in, and she’s been living there ever since.
Now, she’s trying to buy the house for only what’s left on the mortgage, but I just learned the market value is around $600k. I’d honestly love to keep the house, especially with how impossible it is to buy one now.
Do I have any legal claim to the house? What should I do before signing anything? I want to make sure I’m not giving up something I might be entitled to.
Thanks in advance!
Comments
> Do I have any legal claim to the house?
If you are named on the deed, yes. You should Google search “[County the house is in] Registrar of Deeds” to look it up and see if you are still named on it. If so, don’t sign anything without the compensation you are entitled to, which would likely be half of the equity.
Keep in mind though, if your divorce decree addressed this it may change the facts.
Just about everywhere in Washington you can go to your county assessors website, look up the address, and see the owners name. You might want to consult an attorney. Definitely dont sign papers a random shoved in your face.