What Are My Rights If I’m on the Deed but Not the Mortgage?

Gabriel Katzner - May 29, 2025 - Estate Planning

At Katzner Law Group, clients often approach us with concerns about property ownership, especially in situations where their name is on the deed but not on the mortgage. This legal distinction can feel confusing and carries important implications for ownership rights, financial liability, and estate planning. Whether you’re in this position due to family arrangements, […]

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Can Someone Put a Lien on My House Without Me Knowing?

Can Someone Put a Lien on My House Without Me Knowing?

Gabriel Katzner - February 28, 2025 - Asset Protection

A lien can be placed on your property without your immediate knowledge. Typically, when someone places a lien on your property, they are required to notify you. However, communication delays can prevent you from being informed right away, especially if your mailing address is outdated. Any liens against your property become public records when they […]

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Two Names on Deed, One Person Dies, What Then?

Two Names on Deed, One Person Dies, What Then?

Gabriel Katzner - February 24, 2025 - Real Estate

What happens when two names are on a deed and one dies? The answer to this question depends on how the deed is worded. The property could be owned as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, or tenancy by the entirety. If the deed specifies joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, the surviving […]

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Protect Your Property Using Death Deed Law in California

Protect Your Property Using Death Deed Law in California

Gabriel Katzner - February 21, 2025 - Real Estate

If you live in California, you may be able to transfer your real property to your heirs upon your death without going through the probate process. By naming a specific beneficiary or beneficiaries on their deed, a California property owner can transfer ownership of their property to their heir using the revocable transfer on death […]

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If My Name Is On The Deed, Do I Own the Property?

If My Name Is On The Deed, Do I Own the Property?

Gabriel Katzner - February 14, 2025 - Real Estate

A deed is a written document that transfers ownership of a property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee). It defines who owns the property and describes the property that is owned. The person whose name is on the deed holds title to the property. Title is a legal concept, not a legal document. It […]

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Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Gabriel Katzner - February 11, 2025 - Real Estate

As people get older, they may consider adding their child to their bank account or the title to their property. Giving your child direct access to your bank account can simplify bill paying if your child handles those chores for you. It is also a common misconception that adding your child to your accounts or […]

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Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Gabriel Katzner - January 25, 2025 - Real Estate

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one person to another. They are most commonly used to transfer the title to property between people who know each other well or to fix an error on the title. Unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed does not have […]

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Can You Buy a House if You Owe Taxes?

Can You Buy a House if You Owe Taxes?

Gabriel Katzner - November 8, 2024 - Real Estate

​As of the end of 2022, approximately 18.6 million individual taxpayers owed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a total of $316 billion in overdue taxes. Yes, you can buy a house if you owe taxes, but getting a mortgage can be more difficult if you owe taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state […]

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What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

Gabriel Katzner - June 6, 2024 - Real Estate

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer interest in a property from the grantor to the grantee. It does not guarantee that the grantor has a legal interest or right to the property. A quitclaim deed is a way to transfer property ownership quickly and easily, but it has limitations. Ian and […]

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Can A Jointly Owned Property Be Sold By One Owner?

Can A Jointly Owned Property Be Sold By One Owner?

Gabriel Katzner - June 5, 2024 - Real Estate

Michael and Jill own a home appraised at $3 million. The home has been in their family for generations. The couple plans to leave the home to their four children when they die. All four children will be tenants in common, and they each will inherit 25% of the interest in the family home. They […]

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