Ring on the finger, name on the deed? Adding your spouse to your Ontario home's title
So you've tied the knot (congratulations!), bought a house together (high five!), and now you're wondering if your spouse should be officially chilling on the title deed with you. Well, my friend, you've come to the right place! We're about to dive into the delightful world of adding your spouse to your Ontario home's title, with a sprinkle of legalese and a whole lot less boring than those government websites.
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| How To Add Spouse To House Title In Ontario |
Why would I want to add my spouse to the title?
There are a few reasons why adding your spouse to the title might be a good idea:
- Equity all around: If you bought the house together, it makes sense for both your names to be on the paperwork. It shows you co-own the place, just like you co-own that embarrassing karaoke duet video (but hopefully this is a better decision).
- Future-proofing: Life can be unpredictable, but adding your spouse to the title ensures they automatically inherit the property if something happens to you. No need for a dramatic reading of the will where your spouse gets the house and your sister gets... your sock collection.
- Mortgage merry-go-round: If you got a mortgage together, adding your spouse to the title might be required by your lender. Basically, the bank wants to see both of you are on the hook, financially speaking.
Important Note: Adding your spouse to the title doesn't come with a free toaster. There are some costs involved, which we'll get to later.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
How do I add my spouse to the title?
Alright, enough chit-chat, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's a simplified roadmap:
- Grab your paperwork: You'll need your original title deed, proof of your spouse's identity (driver's license, passport, something official), and your marriage certificate (unless you're in a common-law partnership, then there's a slightly different process).
- Decide how you want to hold the title: This is where things get a tad fancy. There are two main ways to hold the title: Tenants in Common (each person owns a specific share) or Joint Tenants (you both own the whole thing together, equally). Talk to a lawyer to figure out which option is best for your situation.
- Fill out the forms: You can file the paperwork yourself or get a lawyer to handle it for you. The Ontario Land Registry Office has information on the forms you'll need [Ontario Land Registry Office](link to Ontario Land Registry Office).
- Pay the fee: There's a land transfer tax you'll need to cough up, but don't worry, it's usually exempt for spouses (as long as you're not adding them to trick the system... don't do that). There might also be a registration fee.
- Wait and see: The Land Registry Office will review your application and let you know if it's been approved.
Pro Tip: Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with government offices.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
But wait, there's more! (the not-so-fun stuff)
Adding your spouse to the title isn't exactly a walk in the park. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Taxes: Adding your spouse to the title might affect your property taxes. Talk to an accountant to make sure you're not springing any surprises come tax season.
- What if things go south?: If you and your spouse ever decide to split (cue sad trombone), there are legal implications of how you hold the title. Having a lawyer explain your options beforehand is a wise move.
FAQ
How to find a good lawyer who won't break the bank?
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
- Get recommendations from friends, family, or a real estate agent.
- Look for lawyers who specialize in real estate law.
- Ask about their fees upfront.
How much does it cost to add my spouse to the title?
- It can vary, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars for filing fees and lawyer costs (if you use one).
How long does it take to add my spouse to the title?
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
- It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the workload at the Land Registry Office.
There you have it! Adding your spouse to your Ontario home's title: a (hopefully) clear and informative guide with a dash of humor (because who says legal stuff can't be fun?). Remember, consulting with a lawyer is always a good idea,
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