In May 2002, my husband (then fiance') purchased our first home. All
the closing paperwork that he signed listed him as the grantee and the
previous owner as the grantor. This gentleman (the previous owner)
was apparently married, but his wife's (or ex-wife, not sure)
signature does not appear on any of the documents that my husband
signed at closing. Now, the county deed book lists the property as
belonging to my husband AND the previous owner's wife! When we first
found this out, we contacted the attorney that handled the closing and
they said it was their error and they would correct it. Almost two
years later, the county deed book (which is also available via online
records via the Onslow County website) still lists this woman on the
deed with my husband's name. We've talked about retaining legal
counsel to "fix" this, but we're not sure if that is necessary. In
the closing paperwork, there is an "Owner's Residential Title
Insurandce Policy" issued through Investors Title Insurance Company.
I'm not sure if that's relevant or could help us. My husband is
currently working abroad, and I have a Power of Attorney so I can take
care of this and other matters. What steps could/should I take in
getting this woman's name removed from the deed? |