text: do i own half of my house? my husband bought our house before we married.  we have re-financed since then and the bank required my signature on the loan papers.  i believe the deed and the tax records only have his name on them.  is this legally half my house?  if my husband died - would the house be mine and/or am i responsible for the loan? it does depend on the state you live in.  best bet is to file wills and have your name put on the deed w/rights of survivorship.  you can actually file these yourself in the county courthouse.  don't let a lawyer charge you too much for this.  it's a very simple process.  and it's called "dower".  not all states have it.  you co-signed on the second loan, and therefore are responsible for the loan, though not the home itself (you couldn't file your own mortgage - this also varies by state).