Do i need a living will. i own my home with no children or husband. i want to avoid probate

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1. Licensed in NY

   

   Richard ChertockPro

   Melville Real Estate Attorney

   Contributor Level 15

   

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   Answered February 19, 2013 15:51. What you need is a Will. If you want to avoid probate you could create a trust but if the house is the only asset there is no estate tax and it is probably not worth the expense at this time. You should also have a Living Will and healthcare proxy which addresses your healthcare wishes and appoints someone to make decisions for you if you can not speak for yourself.

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2. Licensed in NY

   

   Noah D. Cohen

   Brooklyn Real Estate Attorney

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   Answered February 19, 2013 16:06. You could avoid probate by deeding the property to yourself and another individual as joint tenants with the rights of survivorship. Upon your death title to the property would automatically go to the surviving tenant.
   
   The major drawback would be that once you executed such a deed you couldn't change it without the consent of that person.

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3. Licensed in NY

   

   Yefim Rubinov

   Brooklyn General Practice Lawyer

   Contributor Level 16

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   Answered February 19, 2013 17:06. Consult a local attorney. I suggest to have draw up a new deed transferring the property to who ever you want subject to life estate I.e. The property will automatically transfer to who ever you want. The problem of transferring the house to yourself and others as joint tenants is that other co-owners could initiate a partition action and dispossess you of your house.

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4. Licensed in NY

   

   Jayson LutzkyPro

   Bronx Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 20

   

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   Answered February 19, 2013 19:34. Living will is about the type of medical care you can receive. Consult with a local trust and estate lawyer to review your options and the practical effects.

   If this answer is helpful, then please mark the helpful button. If this is the best answer, then please indicate... moreIf this answer is helpful, then please mark the helpful button. If this is the best answer, then please indicate it. Thanks. For further information you should see an attorney and discuss the matter completely. If you are in the New York City area, then you can reach me during normal business hours at 718 329 9500 or www.mynewyorkcitylawyer.com. less

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