In Ohio, the recorded deed is an important starting point, but the name on it may not answer every signing question during a marriage or divorce. Ohio law recognizes a spouse's dower interest in certain real estate owned by the other spouse during marriage, unless that interest has been released or barred. The statute says that dower ends when a court grants an absolute divorce.
Ohio's divorce law also gives the court a role in deciding and dividing marital and separate property. A temporary order, final decree, or property agreement may affect what happens next. The title company checks the deed and documents that apply to this house; an Ohio family-law attorney can explain what a court order means for you. Do not assume that one spouse can sign for the other.