QUESTION
What is dower law in michigan?
Asked on Jun 26th, 2017 on Residential Real Estate - Michigan
More details to this question:
My wife transfered a fha mortgage that her ex was on and i was told I could not be added to the mortgage but be added to the deed. The notary showed up and i signed mortgage papers but no deed/title papers. I didn't have my credit checked or on the loan app. Does it sound legit? I was told i had to sign because of Dowry laws.
1 ANSWER
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It is not dower but homestead protections that require a husband to sign a mortgage for a house in which he lives with his wife. Michigan abolished curtesy (male dower) decades ago and dower (which only protected wives) earlier this year.
Signing the mortgage means you can be booted in event of a foreclosure, which is why the lender insists upon having both spouses sign. You would be liable for the debt if you signed the mortgage NOTE, a separate document agreeing to repay the loan. If your name is not on the last deed, you and your wife need to look at your estate planning situation.
Answered on Jul 03rd, 2017 at 5:38 AM