What is “ET UX.”?
“ET UX.” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase et uxor, which translates to “and wife.” This term is frequently used in legal documents concerning real estate transactions to denote that both a husband and wife are parties to the document. This designation ensures that both spouses’ rights and obligations are legally recognized and recorded.
Examples
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Property Sale:
- Scenario: Bill Baker and his wife Susan are selling their family home.
- Document Notation: The deed lists the sellers as “Bill Baker et ux. Susan Baker,” indicating that both Bill and Susan jointly own and are selling the property.
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Mortgage Agreement:
- Scenario: John Doe and his wife Jane are taking out a mortgage on their home.
- Document Notation: The mortgage agreement is signed by “John Doe et ux. Jane Doe,” signifying that both John and Jane are responsible for the mortgage obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is “ET UX.” used in legal documents?
“ET UX.” is utilized to ensure both spouses have a recognized legal interest in the property and that they are both bound by the terms of the document. This helps in providing clarity and legal protection for real estate transactions.
Can “ET UX.” be used if the wife is the primary owner of the property?
No, “ET UX.” specifically denotes the involvement of the wife when the primary document lists the husband first. If the situation is the reverse, “et vir,” meaning “and husband” (used less frequently), might be employed.
Is “ET UX.” still widely used?
While “ET UX.” is less commonly used in modern legal practice due to contemporary emphasis on gender-neutral language, it can still appear in older documents, historical records, or jurisdictions that rely on traditional phrasing.
Does “ET UX.” have any effect on property ownership division?
Using “ET UX.” merely indicates both the husband’s and the wife’s involvement but does not specify the proportions of ownership. The actual division of ownership rights would be detailed elsewhere in the property agreement or deed.
Related Terms
- Tenancy by the Entirety: A form of joint property ownership available only to married couples, where each spouse owns the undivided whole of the property, and ownership automatically passes to the surviving spouse upon one’s death.
- Community Property: Property owned jointly by married couples in certain states where all property acquired during the marriage is divided equally.
- Et Vir: Another legal term meaning “and husband,” which is used when the wife is the primary signatory on legal documents involving her husband.
Online Resources
- Cornell Law School - Legal Information Institute provides up-to-date legal terms and resources.
- FindLaw offers extensive legal guides and articles for understanding various legal terminologies.
References
- Black, Henry Campbell. Black’s Law Dictionary. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Co.
- Garner, Bryan A. A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage. Oxford University Press.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Real Estate Law: Fundamentals for The Development Process” by Charles H. Edinberg
- “Understanding Property Law” by John G. Sprankling
- “Principles of Real Estate Practice” by Stephen Mettling and David Cusic
