The British common law & all American states [I think] recognize a form of ownership of R E known as a "life estate" or "life tenancy".
* For example if John Smith owns a home in N.Y. in his name alone, has a 2nd wife [Maria Smith] & 2 children by a 1st marriage [Philip & Jane], he may leave the R E in his will, or deed it while he is still alive to:
"Maria Smith for the term of her natural life; upon the death of Maria Smith to Philip Smith and Jane Smith, in equal shares, tenants in common."
* Maria is termed the "life tenant"; Philip & Jane are termed the "remaindermen".
* Upon the death of Maria, Jane or Philip can file a copy of Maria's death certificate @ the local Registry of Deeds; the R E then belongs to Jane & Phlip, in equal shares. This is a useful & widely used American estate planning tool
* [to get to the point] Is a life estate, etc., as outlined above, used, recognized & / or legal in the DR? Used frequently? Comments? Suggestions? Potential problem areas? Thank you.
* For example if John Smith owns a home in N.Y. in his name alone, has a 2nd wife [Maria Smith] & 2 children by a 1st marriage [Philip & Jane], he may leave the R E in his will, or deed it while he is still alive to:
"Maria Smith for the term of her natural life; upon the death of Maria Smith to Philip Smith and Jane Smith, in equal shares, tenants in common."
* Maria is termed the "life tenant"; Philip & Jane are termed the "remaindermen".
* Upon the death of Maria, Jane or Philip can file a copy of Maria's death certificate @ the local Registry of Deeds; the R E then belongs to Jane & Phlip, in equal shares. This is a useful & widely used American estate planning tool
* [to get to the point] Is a life estate, etc., as outlined above, used, recognized & / or legal in the DR? Used frequently? Comments? Suggestions? Potential problem areas? Thank you.