Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I am getting ownership of a house as a gift. I will get 55% ownership and the other person will be getting the rest of the percentage of the house. I do not know if it is possible to own a certain percentage of a house but this is what the person is telling me. My question is the person who is giving me this gift is dying and the reason the other person who is his brother is getting less than a percentage than me is because he is disabled and will sell the house on his own and not be responsible and end up homeless. My main question is the person giving the gift gets some of his money from DVD sales and the other drugs. I have never seen the drugs I just know that this is true so will I get in trouble from taking the house because part of his money comes from drugs?


Asked on 4/26/12, 5:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Burt Stutchin Harris & Stutchin

It is possible to own a percentage interest in a house. The deed should be structured as a tenancy in common. However, there are many potential problems owning a fraction of a house jointly with a stranger. You should have a written agreement between you setting forth the sharing of expenses, taxes, maintenance, etc. and how to handle the sale or disposition of the house if someone leaves or dies or doesn't pay his share of the expenses, etc. If the present owner of the house has not been arrested for the illegal activities and you have no involvement in them, there is no reason that you should be in trouble. In theory, the house could be subject to forfeiture to the state or federal government if it was purchased with the proceeds of criminal activity or is the site of criminal activity. Get an attorney to assist you.

Read more
Answered on 4/27/12, 6:40 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida