Protect your Marriage, Protect your Property Rights

CLEAR JOINT OWNERSHIP 

Dorcas and her husband, Oluwanisola, bought a beautiful house together. The lawyer handling the transaction wrote their names as "Mr/Mrs. Oluwanisola" on the Deed of Conveyance. Years later, Oluwanisola passed away and Dorcas was shocked to discover that she had no legal claim to the property. The document, it turned out, only recognized Oluwanisola as the owner.

Dorcas in-laws claimed the property, leaving her with nothing. She had contributed significantly to the purchase but had no proof of ownership. This is why clear joint ownership is crucial when buying property with a partner.

Using "Mr/Mrs" on property documents is misleading. Under the law, it refers to the husband alone, leaving the wife's interest unprotected. Don't assume joint ownership is automatic. Ensure your names are written distinctly on property documents to protect your rights and interests.

Clear joint ownership protects your marriage and property rights. Without it, one spouse may be left vulnerable in case of disputes or inheritance issues.

To ensure both parties are recognized as owners:

1. Ensure both names are stated clearly: "John Oluwanisola and Dorcas Oluwanisola (husband and wife)"

2. Use of joint purchaser language: "Mr. John Oluwanisola and Mrs. Dorcas Oluwanisola, jointly as purchasers"

3. List both names separately:

    i. Mr. John Oluwanisola 

    ii. Mrs. Dorcas Oluwanisola

 (Purchasers)

This way, both names appear distinctly, and the law recognizes both parties as owners. In law, love is not ownership.

If you have made such mistakes already, it’s not too late to review your property documents and do the needful.

Save your marriage, save your property rights and save your future!