Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Florida Homestead Law

With home ownership every Florida resident is given three very valuable gifts in the form of asset protection with the Florida Homestead Law. Most people are familiar with two: one, the protection of your home from creditors and two, the ever popular, built-in reduction of property taxes.

Less talked about is that this Florida constitutional law also places restraints on voluntary conveyance of the property away from a spouse and on devise of the property away from the spouse or minor child. In other words, valuable protection for your family.

My first post is an invitation to Financial Advisors to join us at our office on December 3rd for a lively and informative roundtable discussion on the Florida Homestead Law. We will discuss:
Language that MUST be used in any testamentary instruments you have, or are considering, in order to be sure NOT to include anything that might cause the property to lose its homestead creditor protection; and ways to make sure that homestead protection is not inadvertently waived.

The pros and cons of transferring a Florida residence into a family limited partnership, limited liability company, revocable or irrevocable trust.

How disclaimers, pre-nups and post-nups may affect a homesteaded property.

Ways to stay away from a life estate "trap".

If you, or someone you advise owns property in Florida, is moving to Florida or is inheriting Florida property, email us at info@arenettlegal.com or call us at 850-502-4373 to join us for this important discussion. Find directions to our office at Grand Boulevard go to www.arnettlegal.com/where.html