Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Blog
If you live in Florida and own property in another state an ancillary administration will be necessary upon the death of the owner(s) of that property. This special probate administration will be in addition to the administration you have where you lived. This is required because real estate or real property is treated differently than personal property.
There are several ways to avoid the additional administration:
- The real estate could be owned in a business entity. This converts the ownership from one of the real estate to one of a personal property interest in the stock or membership of the business entity.
- The real estate could be owned in a trust. Because the trust survives you, the trust will distribute the property according to the terms of the trust. The trust can also be used for other property and may even enable you to avoid the probate of your entire estate.
- The real estate could be retitled using a ladybird or enhanced life estate deed. This special type of deed, available in some states, is very similar to a deed with a beneficiary designation.
Florida’s statutory probate fees apply for an ancillary administration like other forms of probate in Florida. The legal fees start at $1500 and are typically 3% or less for the first million dollars of value. If your property is located in another state, the fees may not be as reasonable as they are in Florida.
We would be happy to discuss your specific situation and help you determine if a business entity, trust, or enhanced life estate deed could benefit your family and help to avoid the costs and delays invovled with probate. Note: some methods of avoiding probate can protect assets from creditors of your and your estate.