Thread: I own half my house but my name is not on the deed

Hello all,

My brother and I purchased a house together 3 years ago in Vancouver, Canada. We have lived in it ever since. When we purchased, I gave him half the money for the house. This money that I gave him came from the sale of my previous house. My half was paid for in cash. There is proof (on the Purchaser's Statement) that I did infact pay for half of the house. The probelm is that I am not on the deed. He is the only one on the deed. Don't ask me why I did it this way...I know it was a stupid thing to do. He is threatening to kick me out and take my half of the house away from me. He thinks he can do this because he is the only one on the deed...eventhough there is proof that I paid half for the house. I also have email proof, where he admits that I own half the house...and it also says in the email that he is threatening to "take my half of the house away from me".

My questions are:

1). Since there is proof that I own half the house, can i get my name added to the deed without him having to sign for anything (because he won't sign anythign like this)?

2). Do I have any legal recourse here to sue him for threatening to take my half of the house?

3). We agreed to sell the house recently (a verbal agreement) and he has now stated that he will not be selling the house. This verbal agreement was heard by at least 5 people, he even got a real estate agent to come in and appraise the house. If i can get on the deed, can i sue him for reneging on this verbal contract that we agreed to sell the house?

I know that a verbal agreement isn't good between the buyer and seller of a property...but would a verbal agreement be enforceable when it is between 2 owner's of a house both agreeing to sell the house?

I am really stuck here and would appreciate any answers that you can provide. Thank you so much!!!