Orlando, FL asked in Elder Law and Real Estate Law for Florida

Q: My mother before she died put me on the deed as sol suvivership on her home. My sister believes she is entitled to a 1/3

Of the money from the sell of the home because the will said the assets were to be divided among me and my two sisters. Is she entitled to part of the money?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
Answered
  • Elder Law Lawyer
  • MIramar Beach, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: If you mother placed you on the deed during her life as a joint owner with survivorship then at your mothers passing you became the sole owner of that real property. The transfer is referred to as an "inter Vivos transfer" which based means a transfer during life.

A transfer during life via a deed supercedes a gift made by a will for this asset. This from the facts you state it appears that your sister is not legally entitled to a share of the property.

Lauren Nagel Richardson agrees with this answer

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
Answered
  • Elder Law Lawyer
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: If your mother executed a deed to you and her as joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTROS) or to the both of you with the term "survivor" or "survivorship" listed there as well, then your mother's interest would pass to you as surviving joint tenant by operation of law. All that would then be required to show that you had clear title in the property would be to record your mother's death certificate in the public records.

If there is any doubt as to whether the deed transferred 100% of the property to you upon your mother's death, you should have the deed reviewed by an experienced probate or real estate attorney.

If this is indeed the case, and you are the 100% owner by deed, then this asset does not pass under the will. Again, if you have any concerns, you should contact a real estate or probate attorney to review the deed.

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
Answered
  • Elder Law Lawyer
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: If your mother executed a deed to you and her as joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTROS) or to the both of you with the term "survivor" or "survivorship" listed there as well, then your mother's interest would pass to you as surviving joint tenant by operation of law. All that would then be required to show that you had clear title in the property would be to record your mother's death certificate in the public records.

If there is any doubt as to whether the deed transferred 100% of the property to you upon your mother's death, you should have the deed reviewed by an experienced probate or real estate attorney.

If this is indeed the case, and you are the 100% owner by deed, then this asset does not pass under the will. Again, if you have any concerns, you should contact a real estate or probate attorney to review the deed.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.