Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Divorce & Inheritance

Hi,

I inherited some money from my Grandmother. As both my wife and I wanted to buy a house (we are currently renting), I decided to put this money as a down payment on the house and its options. The house is currently being built, and it is registered to my name only, and so will be the mortgage. My wife is not working, and most likely that the mortgage will be paid from my salary alone.

Our relationship is shaky, and since I don't know what will result in our marriage, I would like to take the necessary precaution, and try to avoid losing part of the inheritance and the house. In case we do decide to divorce, will my wife be entitled to half of the house? Is there any way I can prevent that from happening?

Thanks a lot,

Dan


Asked on 4/02/07, 8:13 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: Divorce & Inheritance

The best way is to have her sign a post nuptial agreement.

Read more
Answered on 4/02/07, 8:18 am
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Divorce & Inheritance

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

The simpliest method is to continue to segregate the monies. The deed must be in your name alone. At the closing, instruct your closing attorney to have your wife execute a Quit Claim Deed to you which would give up any claim she might make on the property.

As an extra safeguard, you might wish to have a post nuptial agreement drafted and executed by both parties. In this agreement, you would have the rights and obligations of both parties set forth in case of a dissolution of marriage. Proper planning now, will save much fighting later if a divorce should ever occur.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

Read more
Answered on 4/02/07, 9:46 am

Re: Divorce & Inheritance

So you have the whole picture: your down payment taken from your inheritance will remain individual property (yours at divorce). It's the equity paid for with your salary that will be marital property (regardless of the name on the deed or the fact that she does not contribute financially). As previously stated, the only way to avoid this is with a postmarital agreement in which both of you agree that in case of a divorce, the entire value of the house is yours.

Read more
Answered on 4/02/07, 10:16 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Florida