Can community property be transferred while alive?

[dcfog]

What is the name of your state? WASHINGTON

My husband signed an auto loan for our 24 year old son. I did not have my name on the loan, but was told that since WA is a community property state, that if my son (who does not live at home, and hasn't for 4 years) was in an accident and sued, they would come after us since he owns NOTHING. We have a nice home we built ourselves on 23 acres all paid off. My husband is very nervous (after the fact!) and wants to transfer his half of the house/property to me. Is this possible? Thanks

[Souix]

Originally posted by dcfog
What is the name of your state? WASHINGTON

My husband signed an auto loan for our 24 year old son. I did not have my name on the loan, but was told that since WA is a community property state, that if my son (who does not live at home, and hasn't for 4 years) was in an accident and sued, they would come after us since he owns NOTHING. We have a nice home we built ourselves on 23 acres all paid off. My husband is very nervous (after the fact!) and wants to transfer his half of the house/property to me. Is this possible? Thanks

**If Washington is a community property state, aren't you already on the deed?

[dcfog]

Yes, I am on the deed. But what we want to know is how can we get him off the deed so it is solely mine. That way if they come after him (he has to be the insured on the auto also) to sue, the property will be protected since I am not on the auto insurance. Does that make sense?

[HomeGuru]

In my opinion, the auto insurance issue has nothing to do with community property laws. If interest from one spouse was transferred to another, any claim could still be made against both spouses regardless of who holds title at the time of the claim.