Definition of "Voluntary alienation"

Cory Ehlert real estate agent

Written by

Cory Ehlertelite badge icon

Keller Williams

The definition of voluntary alienation in real estate is the transfer of the residency rights or deed of a property between two parties without the use of extraneous legal measures. Unlike involuntary alienation, when voluntary alienation occurs, it usually does so peacefully, without contention between the interested parties; hence the distinction between the two. 

 

Due to the wide breadth of this term, many actions in real estate can carry this moniker. A home sale, a relocation upon the termination of a rent contract, and gifting of property to a friend or relative all can be defined as voluntary alienation. To better understand the term, let’s look at an example of voluntary alienation in real estate. 

 

Example of Voluntary Alienation in Real Estate 

 

Axel is a middle-aged family man working in middle management at an insurance firm. In the sixteen years since he married his high school sweetheart, Axel has had two kids, worked his way up several rungs of the corporate ladder and now owns a respectable bungalow in a nice, quiet suburb. 

 

However all is not well here; over the years, the emotional distance between Axel and his wife has grown, and they have become less and less functional as both parents and partners. One night, their relationship reaches its tipping point. While laying in bed watching TV, Axel and his wife turn to one another, and simultaneously blurt out: “I want a divorce”. 

 

In order to spare their children the turmoil that accompanies a rough and messy divorce, the pair agree on a no-contest parting arrangement. Axel will take 50 percent of their assets and move to a smaller, more affordable dwelling place in the city, and his wife and the children will remain at the house in which they currently reside. 


As the deed is in Axel’s name, he will need to voluntarily alienate himself from the property, transferring ownership of it to his wife and putting the deed in her name.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

(1) Mildly convex arch built into a load bearing beam, girder, or truss to counteract any load bearing stress placed on it. (2) Slight slope designed into a structure such as a drive4way or ...

The logical definition of both words is almost enough to understand what is earnest money. Money is a form of exchange between people to assert value to something and Earnest equals ...

Taken out on property to replace or repair it if it malfunctions. It covers parts and/or service. An example is a warranty a homeowner takes out on a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher. It ...

Transfer of real estate from one taxpayer to another that are exempt from federal income taxes. An example is an exchange of property in which ownership of transferred real estate is still ...

The direction in which a community is growing. Directional growth is measured over time, and its path strongly influences current and future market values of those properties clearly in ...

A rectangular area bordered on all sides by buildings. Often, a quadrangle is grassy with decorative landscaping. A quadrangle can be found in a central business district or on the site ...

Easement with the objective of keeping scenic beauty or to forbid constructing something else blocking that view. The property is retained in its natural setting. ...

Also called negative leverage. The interest rate on the obligation exceeds the return rate on the real estate investment. As a result losses are magnified. ...

A fully amortized mortgage necessitating periodic payments of both interest and principal. In the early years of the loan, the share of principal is smaller and the interest larger, a ...

Popular Real Estate Questions