Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida
Does a surviving spouse get homestead rights on a decedent's apartment (bought by the decedent long before the marriage) AND 30% of the same apartment worth if he opts for the elective share? Does he get both things?
2 Answers from Attorneys
The survivng spouse gets the homestead rights, which may or may not be the full interest. It depends upon certain factors (though at a minimum it would be a life estate). Plus they could get the elective share. To prevent this requires a anti-nuptial agreement.
A surviving spouse does get homestead rights and a share of the estate. There is a right of survivorship for homes owned by "tenancy by the entirety," but that requires a married couple to have taken title at the same time. Florida probate laws are covered in Florida Statutes Ch. 732, where it explains what share the surviving spouse gets. Create a will if you would like to make alternate plans, but note that you cannot take away your spouse's homestead rights in Florida. www.floridawillmaker.com