In North Carolina, some deeds to married spouses create a form of joint ownership called tenancy by the entirety, unless the deed says otherwise. While the property is held that way, state law generally requires both spouses to join in a sale. The recorded deed shows how the property is titled.
A final divorce converts tenancy by the entirety to tenancy in common, a form of co-ownership. North Carolina law also lets a court decide how marital property is divided in an equitable-distribution case. A court order about the house can affect whether and how it is sold or how proceeds are handled, so the order and deed need to be reviewed together.
The title company checks the recorded ownership, required signatures, and court papers for closing. If you disagree about what an order means, a North Carolina family-law attorney can explain how it applies. You can still talk with us about the house while those questions are being reviewed.