Will bankruptcy affect the co-owner of a house?

Answer 1

To me this is a pretty easy no. Once you get the report I would dispute it and make the bureau prove that your mom filed bankruptcy. They will not be able to so it will have to be removed. It sounds like the mortgage company got wind of the bankruptcy and told the bureaus that all of the owners of the house filed for bankruptcy.

Are the co-owners married? If not, then the bankruptcy effects the owner to the extent that she (he, it) will need to get clear title since it cannot be sold unless the title (deed) gets cleared. Anyone out there knows what needs to be done?

If two people own a house and one files bankruptcy - the bankruptcy can affect the other owner. First, if the house were to be sold or refinanced - the title company or lawyer (depending upon where you live) will search the local courts, where the bankruptcy procedures would be found. As long as the courts don't file an order that the house must be sold or anything like that then title company/lawyer will wait until the bankruptcy is discharged before proceeding.

The way the deed is titled defines how real property is held and how it can be subjected to division or protection under bankruptcy laws or judgments. Every state has what is known as a homestead exemption, in the majority of bankruptcy cases this will protect property that is used as a primary residence. It is important however to know how the state of residency laws apply to joint ownership especially a "JTWRS" as opposed to a "TIC".