Many people wonder: Can someone put you on a deed without your consent?  The short answer is yes — in Florida, a property owner (the grantor) can sign and even record a deed adding you as a co-owner or grantee without your signature or prior awareness. However, that doesn't mean the transfer is automatically binding or that you're stuck with the responsibilities. Florida estate law requires specific elements for a deed to be effective, including delivery  and acceptance  by t

It is incredibly common for families—such as a mother and child co-owning a mortgage-free home—to intend for a property to automatically pass to the surviving owner upon one's death. Unfortunately, many property owners unknowingly hold a Tenancy in Common  deed when they actually need a Joint Survivorship  deed. If your deed is missing a few key phrases, your loved one's half of the property could end up stuck in probate court. Here is exactly what you need to know about your

Many Florida homeowners use a Lady Bird deed  (also known as an enhanced life estate deed) to pass their home to children or other loved ones while avoiding probate. A common question that comes up is: “If my mother-in-law put me and my husband on the property with a Lady Bird deed and she had a homestead exemption, can we keep her low property taxes after she passes?” Here’s the clear answer based on how Florida law works. What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption? The homest

Many people wonder whether a simple will  is enough for their estate or if they need a trust . They ask: “Do I really need a trust, or will a will suffice?” The core distinction is straightforward and practical, especially for families wanting to avoid headaches for their loved ones. A will  outlines your wishes for distributing assets after you pass away. However, it almost always sends your estate through probate court  — a public, time-consuming, and often costly legal pr

The Dangerous Misconception: "I’m on the Mortgage, So I Own the House" One of the most common—and devastating—misconceptions in real estate and estate planning is the belief that being on the mortgage grants you ownership rights. If you are in a relationship or married, and both of you are on the mortgage but only one of you is on the deed, you are walking a legal tightrope. According to real estate law, ownership is determined strictly by what the deed says, not who is on t

If you are asking "What should be the price of an estate plan that includes two deeds?" , the answer depends heavily on the level of service and where you live. Online/DIY Forms:  $50 – $150 (High risk of errors) Attorney-Drafted Deeds:  $350 – $950 per deed (Plus recording fees) Basic Trust Plan (Low End):  $2,500 – $3,000 Comprehensive Trust Plan (Couples/High Service):  $5,000 – $7,000+ Note: Prices vary by state and county. The ranges above reflect typical costs for servi

Short Answer:  Yes. In Florida, a property owner can sign a deed and add you as a co-owner or beneficiary without your knowledge or signature. However, for the transfer to be legally binding, you must "accept" it. If you have recently discovered you were placed on a deed without your permission, or you are worried about unwanted property liability, this guide explains how Florida law handles these transfers and what steps you must take to protect yourself. How Is It Possible

If you co-own a home or land in Florida and you’re worried about whether the other person can secretly create a new deed that takes you off the title without your knowledge or consent , you’re not alone. This is one of the most common estate questions Florida property owners ask. Short answer:  It depends entirely on how  you and the other person hold title on the deed. In many cases — especially if the deed is silent or says “tenants in common” — the other owner can  transfe

A common question about Lady Bird Deeds  (also known as Enhanced Life Estate Deeds) is when they should be recorded. Below, we explain...