Originally Posted by
mrpapageorgio
Where does the assumption of a joint gift apply in real property considering there's a deed demonstrating sole ownership (at least in NY where this scenario is being asked)? If it was property without a paper trail (i.e. Household contents), I could see the assumption. However, assuming a house that is deeded solely to one person (by that individual's parents) and not joint without any other paper trail demonstrating it was intended to be joint ownership for the couple would require major assumptions being made that I can't see being made by a reasonable fact finder.
I don't see what burden she has to meet if it's deeded solely in her name by her parents. The assumption, if any, was that action was deliberately made by the parents to give sole title to the daughter. If they intended it to be marital property, why didn't they put it in both of their names? The NY law already assumes it's solely hers if it's solely in her name, so the burden would be on him to prove it's marital property or intended for both. As long as she pays the property taxes and upkeep separately, then I don't see him entitled to any interest in the house under NY law. Even if taxes/maintenance was paid out of a joint account, I could just see the court ordering reimbursement of his half.