Tampa, FL asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida

Q: What is Specific devise in regards to deceased spouse owned property

Spouses Sister is executor of the estate and her lawyer mentioned specific devise in regards to the house in deceased spouse’s name only.

I need to file a petition to transfer the property to my name.

The joint property looks like I don’t need to do anything until I sell it

3 Lawyer Answers

A: I am very sorry for your loss and the passing of your spouse, please accept my condolences for you and your family at this difficult and sad time. Generally, and you should have the property deed reviewed and all documents reviewed by your own probate attorney, but generally, the property should transfer to you directly if you are both on the deed, usually all that would be required is the recording of a death certificate, if this is not the case, then you may have to file your own petition with your own attorney if the probate attorney is no helpful, if it is Homestead property, then likely a Petition to Determine Homestead with the Probate Court. Otherwise, the property may be part of probate and then it should be put into your name as part of the probate process, again, if Homestead, relatively sooner than later. I would also mention, if the probate attorney is not being helpful, remember, they represent the interests of the estate and personal representative as it relates to probate, you as a spouse and beneficiary may have divergent interests and thus if you are having issues and or problems you likely should have your own probate attorney reviewing documents and what needs to be done. In addition, if there is no Will and even if there is a Will, you as a surviving spouse have substantial rights always, the Will from your spouse should clarify much and you should have a copy to review, but no matter what the Will states, you have specific and substantial rights as long as you did not sign a pre or post nuptial agreement. The probate attorney should be substantially more forthcoming on the property and precisely the status and what needs to be done and anticipate timelines, if not, you likely need your own attorney I would advise.

A: To answer the question, a "specific devise" is language in a will which provides that a certain person is to inherit a specific piece of property, as opposed to a specific fraction of the entire estate.

A: Transferring assets from a deceased individual to another party can be a complicated undertaking. To safeguard against potential legal disputes in the future, it is advisable to seek legal counsel from a lawyer who can assist you throughout this intricate procedure. Furthermore, the lawyer can offer guidance on any potential tax implications. It is strongly recommended that you promptly seek legal advice.

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.