Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida
Are the dower rights still enforce in Florida? I bought a property while not married. I am refinancing that property now marrried and my lender is saying that she has to sign off her dower rights.
3 Answers from Attorneys
The dower has been abolished in Florida. What your lender likely means is that a married person cannot devise a homestead without the other spouse's signature.
Mr. Bryant meant that a married person cannon TRANSFER (sell, exchange, etc.), refinance, or otherwise encumber his or her homestead without the other spouse joining in the action in writing.
No, but when you buy a house as a married couple you own it as a tenancy by the entireties. Both husband and wife have homestead rights. That means you can't do anything to the homestead without your wife's permission. Regards,