October brings cooler weather, falling leaves, and for Norton Geddie, tales of real estate horror that chill homeowners to the core. This month’s Halloween edition involves a retirement dream turned nightmare — all because of one seemingly kindhearted but costly mistake.
A Father’s Gift Becomes a Legal Trap
An older gentleman was purchasing his dream retirement home. Wanting to help his adult son, he decided to let him stay in the home — and also added him to the title. That’s where the trouble began.
By putting his son on the deed, the father essentially gave him co-ownership of the property. What seemed like a generous, harmless act quickly spiraled into a situation no homeowner wants to face.
A Rocky Relationship Enters the Picture
When the father came to visit from out of state, he discovered his son was no longer living alone. A young woman had moved in, and the relationship between the two had soured to the point of criminal charges — specifically, criminal domestic violence.
Worried for the safety and peace of his property, the father wanted the woman out. Unfortunately, because the son was on the deed, she couldn’t be evicted without his cooperation. And at that point, the son wasn’t cooperating.
Ownership Without Control
The father had paid for the home. He planned to retire there. But instead, he was stuck with a house he couldn’t use, occupied by people he couldn’t remove.
Eventually, a partial resolution came. The son agreed to sign over his share of the home in exchange for legal help with his charges. That allowed the father to regain full ownership — but the girlfriend still remained. Now, the father must go through the eviction process just to reclaim the property he bought outright.
The Lesson: Don’t Put Your Children on the Deed Without Legal Advice
While it might feel like the right thing to do, putting your child on the title to your property can open you up to serious legal and financial complications. Once they’re on the deed, your rights to remove occupants, sell the home, or make decisions become shared.
Before you add anyone — including your own child — to your property deed, talk to an experienced real estate attorney. What feels like a gift today could become a nightmare tomorrow.
Facing a Real Estate Dilemma?
If you’re dealing with deed issues, co-ownership problems, or a similar real estate concern in South Carolina, our attorneys can help you navigate the legal risks and protect your property.