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“Victoria,” 63, had inherited one-sixth of her late mother’s homestead property, and most of her five siblings had given their one-sixth share to her. One brother, who had moved to the Philippines years ago, died without a will in 2011 as a citizen of the Philippines.  He did not have a spouse or children. His only asset was his one-sixth share of the house in Jacksonville (worth about $11,000), so no probate action was filed in the Philippines. JALA filed a non-resident petition for summary administration, and the court transferred the brother’s one-sixth share to the other five siblings. JALA then prepared deeds for the siblings willing to transfer this last one-fifth of one-sixth interest to Victoria. This work cleared up title to the property and allowed Victoria to obtain her full homestead exemption.

If you are an attorney wanting to volunteer with probate and heirs property issues, contact JALA Pro Bono Director Aaron Irving, at (904) 356-8371, Ext. 363, or Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.