Obviously the words contained in a last will and testament have significant impact. Countless books in law libraries are filled with cases centered on determining the intent of the deceased or through the application of specific language in a Will. In Florida, we generally recognize several different categories of testamentary gifts: (1) pecuniary (2) specific (3) demonstrative (4) general or (5) residuary. (more…)
In Florida, if a loved one has passed away while residing in a rental property, the heirs of the estate and surviving family members may be frustrated to learn that Florida Law does not provide a mechanism for easy access to the rental unit to retrieve the deceased’s personal belongings. Unless the person attempting to gain access to the property is listed on the lease, the landlord is prohibited by Florida law from providing access.
The Florida Landlord Tenant Act sets forth the relationship or rights between a landlord and tenant, and it contains a provision especially important for this scenario. Florida Statute 83.59 provides: (more…)
One of the most common tools used to take advantage of the elderly in Florida is the Power of Attorney document. This document, once executed by an individual (the Principal) gives either specific or general powers to another (the Agent) to act on behalf of him or her. These documents are excellent tools for estate planning purposes. Like it or not, most of us may experience some mental capacity issues that would prevent us from diligently maintaining financial investments, property management or simply paying bills as we age. Unfortunately, over the years we have also seen these power transfers substantially abused. (more…)
Florida law provides a procedural and statutory guide which sets for the rights/powers and obligations of an Executor in the State of Florida. In the State of Florida, an Executor is referred to as a “Personal Representative”—this is the same as an “Executor” as the term is used in other states for all practical purposes.
What is an Executor (Personal Representative)? (more…)
One of the most common questions I receive from folks is simply “What is probate court?” Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing the assets of an individual, referred to as his or her “estate” after they pass away. Probate in Florida is handled by the Circuit Court of Appeals, probate division. This means that there will be a judge specialized in probate procedures to assist with the process of administering the estate assigned to your case. In Florida, probate procedure is governed by the Florida Rules of Probate and the substantive law or statutes contained in Florida Statutes Chapters 731 through 735. (more…)
Often times in Florida we see heirs or beneficiaries who realize that they have a share of a probate estate but for their own estate planning purposes, for taxes or for continued qualifications for medical benefits or other reasons don’t want to take the probate assets. Instead, they seek to simply pass those assets to their own heirs or other beneficiaries. Florida has a mechanism for taking a pass on Probate assets and its called the “Florida Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act.” The relevent law is codified in Florida Statute Chapter, 739 and begins with section 101. (more…)
If your reading this article, chances are you may have received the statutorily required notice to claimaints with an interest in surplus funds subsequent to a Tax Deed sale. The recovery of tax deed surplus funds is governed by Florida’s Tax Deed Surplus Statute which provides, §197.582, which provides: (more…)
A common scenario in Florida Trust litigation occurs when a settlor creates a trust in Florida but the trustee is out of state. Questions arise as to the proper jurisdiction and venue for bring forth trust litigation. Fla. Stat. 736.0202 is instructive; it provides in pertinent part: (more…)
Florida law requires that the transfer of mobile homes in most cases be done through transfer of a certificate of title. The applicable Florida statute, Fla. Stat. 319.So22(1) provides:
(1)Except as provided in ss. 319.21 and 319.28, a person acquiring a motor vehicle or mobile home from the owner thereof, whether or not the owner is a licensed dealer, shall not acquire marketable title to the motor vehicle or mobile home until he or she has had issued to him or her a certificate of title to the motor vehicle or mobile home; nor shall any waiver or estoppel operate in favor of such person against a person having possession of such certificate of title or an assignment of such certificate for such motor vehicle or mobile home for a valuable consideration. Except as otherwise provided herein, no court shall recognize the right, title, claim, or interest of any person in or to any motor vehicle or mobile home sold, disposed of, mortgaged, or encumbered, unless evidenced by a certificate of title duly issued to that person, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
In most circumstances (unless title transferred by a manufacturer or by operation of law) you will want to see the certificate of title and get a transfer of such certificate so that you can obtain marketable title to the mobile home. The Florida Supreme Court has provided a strict interpretation on the above referenced statute, with the only notable carve out coming from a scenario where a bona fide purchaser in good faith purchases from a dealer of mobile homes and takes possession but cannot obtain transfer of the actual title. For more see In Re Orange Rose LLC 8: 10 -bk-24856-MGW. (more…)
One of the more frequently encountered areas of confusion in Florida Probate and real property disputes revolves around Florida’s state constitutional protections for homestead property. The Florida constitution Article 10, section 4 of the Florida constitution provides:
SECTION 4. Homestead; exemptions.—
(a) There shall be exempt from forced sale under process of any court, and no judgment, decree or execution shall be a lien thereon, except for the payment of taxes and assessments thereon, obligations contracted for the purchase, improvement or repair thereof, or obligations contracted for house, field or other labor performed on the realty, the following property owned by a natural person:
(1) a homestead, if located outside a municipality, to the extent of one hundred sixty acres of contiguous land and improvements thereon, which shall not be reduced without the owner’s consent by reason of subsequent inclusion in a municipality; or if located within a municipality, to the extent of one-half acre of contiguous land, upon which the exemption shall be limited to the residence of the owner or the owner’s family;
(2) personal property to the value of one thousand dollars.
(b) These exemptions shall inure to the surviving spouse or heirs of the owner.
(c) The homestead shall not be subject to devise if the owner is survived by spouse or minor child, except the homestead may be devised to the owner’s spouse if there be no minor child. The owner of homestead real estate, joined by the spouse if married, may alienate the homestead by mortgage, sale or gift and, if married, may by deed transfer the title to an estate by the entirety with the spouse. If the owner or spouse is incompetent, the method of alienation or encumbrance shall be as provided by law.
