Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida
Estate Property Rights
I am going on a road trip and I am not in the best of health. My present (2nd) wife wants me to writ a will before I go stating what was mine before the marriage is my son's (age 22 from a previous marriage) is my son's and what was aquired after the marriage is her's. Do I have the right before my death to give my personal property ( un deeded)which was aquired after the marriage to my son or not? Also regarding our house - it was mine prior to the marriage and after the marriage it was reappraised and my present wife bought into the house and a new title and mortgage was aquired. It was agreed upon at that time that my son would receive my half interest in the house after my death and her children would receive her half interest in the house after her death whichever came first. nothing was written down. Do I have the right to give my half interest in the house to my son in my will or not? I was sick before the marriage and it has escallated presently.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Estate Property Rights
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.
You have a right to give whatever bequests you want to whomever you want with certain limitations. You should meet with a qualified attorney to discuss your estate and have your will properly written. If you attempt to do it yourself and there are errors, it may not be admitted to probate and then everything would go to your wife and your son would get nothing.
As to the real property, the current ownership as shown on the deed will control how it will pass upon your death. If title is now in joint tenancy, it will go to the surviving tenant which seems to be your wife. This should also be reviewed by your attorney to make sure it has been titled properly to ensure that you can give your 1/2 interest to your son. Please note that it may be subject to a life estate in your wife regardless of what the deed or your will say.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.