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James and Linda are married and purchasing a home in Wisconsin together. The purchase agreement is signed only by James. Under the Wisconsin Marital Property Act (Chapter 766), which statement best describes the legal situation?

Correct Answer

A) The contract is valid, but Linda must sign the deed at closing to convey clear title to marital property.

Under the Wisconsin Marital Property Act (Wis. Stat. Chapter 766), both spouses must sign a deed conveying marital property to pass clear title. However, a purchase agreement (offer to purchase) signed by only one spouse can still be a valid and binding contract. The critical requirement is that both spouses must sign the deed at closing. The contract itself is not automatically void or voidable simply because one spouse signed — but the title transfer will require both signatures.

Answer Options
A
The contract is valid, but Linda must sign the deed at closing to convey clear title to marital property.
B
The contract is voidable because both spouses must sign any contract conveying or encumbering marital property.
C
The contract is fully enforceable because either spouse may bind marital property independently.
D
The contract is void because Wisconsin community property law requires joint signatures on all real estate contracts.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

marital_property_actchapter_766spousal_signaturedeed_requirementnot_community_property

Related Concepts

Contingencies are conditions written into a real estate contract that must be met before the transaction can close. If a contingency is not satisfied, the buyer can typically cancel the contract without penalty.

Contract termination occurs when a contract is ended or discharged, releasing both parties from their obligations. A contract can be terminated through performance, mutual agreement, operation of law, or breach.

A counteroffer is a response to an original offer that changes one or more terms of the offer, effectively rejecting the original offer and creating a new offer. The party who makes the counteroffer becomes the new offeror.

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