Hi Leland,



I think that is a great question and I am interested in the answer to that as well. I have been looking up old property records in a City Directory and am finding that the "owners" of a property are often listed in the name of the wife of a married couple as well. 



Thank you for asking this question. I did not think of consulting this list serve.



Sincerely,

LaToya Gray



-----Original Message-----

From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Leland Ness

Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 11:44 AM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: [VA-HIST] Land titles



Hi there,



I have several questions that have arisen in the last several decades of my local history quest, but I figure I will start with the easiest.  It is probably one that many subscribers will know off the top of their heads.



In researching land titles at the local courthouses for the period

1890-1920 I often find that ownership is listed solely in the name of the wife of a married couple.



I guess this could be interpreted as evidence of an early "woke" and progressive Virginia, but I suspect the reason is more prosaic.  Real estate taxes were levied regardless of who technically owned the property, but perhaps there were benefits in the event of bankruptcy? Or perhaps intestate death?  Did they not have joint tenancy with rights of survivorship?



Any thoughts on why a married couple would put their house in the name of the wife only in that period?



Many thanks



Leland Ness



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