[WSBAPT] Life Estate Question

[Josh Grant]

I have a similar case. Testator said “I give a life estate to GF for her life or until she vacates the residence for 60 continual days”.  I hate to have the PR of the Estate give a deed to her granting her a life estate, because GF could leave and we would not be able to get clear title until we were able to get a death certificate, and the kids who take back possession want to fix it and sell it.  What kind of deed would be propose to the Judge?  Deed to kids and no mention of the right to reside?  And acknowledge in an unrecorded document the right to reside?

Thanks

Josh

From: Scott Kee 
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 12:14 PM
To: wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com 
Subject: [WSBAPT] Life Estate Question

In his will, the decedent left property to his kids, but reserved a life estate his girlfriend.  The specific language is . . .”Girlfriend is entitled to reside in the real property located at  . . . . provided she pays the taxes and insurance on the property.  The residue of the estate goes to kids.  

 

There is an underlying mortgage on the property and the decedent made no provision for, and did not mention, the mortgage.  In addition, maintenance has become an issue.  

 

Girlfriend is taking the position that she is not responsible for the mortgage or maintenance as the decedent did not expressly indicate as much(see In Re Estate of Campbell) and she is not the ultimate beneficiary.  

 

Kids are taking the position that Girlfriend is the devisee(see RCW 11.12.70) and therefore she is responsible for mortgage and maintenance.  

 

Thoughts?   

 

C. Scott Kee

Rodgers Kee & Card, P.S.

324 West Bay Drive, Suite 201

Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 352-8311

scottkee at buddbaylaw.com

 



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