Yucaipa, CA asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California

Q: I have POA of my ex husband he has dementia. We want to put our son on his house deed to avoid probate...can I do this?

As POA am I permitted to sign on his behalf...we just don't want our son going through the probate where others crawl out of the woodwork trying to take. Or can you recommend a way to protect his and our son's rights to the property?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Oakland, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Greetings nice ex-wife from Yucaipa. As an alternative to transferring the property to your son at this time, you can create a revocable living trust to insure a smooth transfer of ownership to your son upon his father's passing. Good luck with this.

Yelena Gurevich agrees with this answer

Julie King
Julie King
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Monterey, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You can do what you propose, but the tax consequences don't make it the most appealing way to go. You would be better off setting up a trust so your son will inherit the property after your ex-husband passes. Despite the fact the trust will cost more than one deed, the amount of taxes that would have to be paid far exceeds the cost of the trust. Talk to an estate planning lawyer to learn your options and the consequences of each. Best wishes!

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: As the holder of your ex-husband's power of attorney, you may have the authority to transfer his property to another person. However, you should be aware that any transfer of property made while your ex-husband is incapacitated and unable to make his own decisions may be subject to challenge in court. Additionally, transferring property to your son may have tax implications, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney or tax professional before making any changes to the property deed. It may also be worth considering creating a living trust to avoid probate and ensure that your ex-husband's assets are managed according to his wishes.

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.