Wife's maiden name on title to our home

[Erik Bremer]

Hi Bigger Pockets!  My wife and I bought our home together a few months before we got married so she is on title, but with her maiden name and not her new name.  Is there any reason to have it changed to her new name?  I assume this costs money, and is likely an annoying process, so I don't want to do it if I don't have to.

If we ever try to sell the house are they going to make us do this anyway since I assume both people on title are required to give their approval to sell a property.  Any help would be appreciated thank you.  

Erik

[Kyle J.]

@Erik Bremer If this is in your state (California), it’s a simple processs and it doesn’t cost anything. I’ve done it before.

Go down to the County Recorder’s office and file a grant deed in you and your wife’s (maiden) name granting title to you and your wife’s (married) name. 

At the same time you’ll file a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report explaining the reason for the change (name change due to marriage), and an Affidavit of Exemption from Documentary Transfer Tax (since you’re just correcting a name and not actually changing ownership) so you don’t have to pay any fees. 

(Do not file a quit claim deed.) 

That’s all there is to it.