intangible) held with such other spouse either as tenants by the entirety, joint tenants, tenants in common, or in any other manner. It's the only way we will do business. Entirety ownership means that the marriage owns the real property, not the individual parties to the marriage. What does the term Tenants by the Entirety mean? Not all states observe tenancy of entirety, but half do. These rights and restrictions involve various aspects of ownership control and benefits. The rationale for this protection is that all North Carolina citizens are entitled to certain real and personal property as a matter of right. Retirement plans such as 401(K), Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (Roth IRAs), and other qualified retirement plans may be protected. Threats to your assets can come from different sources, including: North Carolina law and Federal law offer protection to certain assets as a matter of public policy—in other words, the government believes that if you were left totally penniless, you would potentially become a burden on the state, so certain assets are protected from lawsuits or claims. With the exception of federal tax liens, tenancy by the entirety property (not including furnishings or movable » Asset Protection in North Carolina – Part 1: The Basics | Business Law & Litigation – Asset Protection – Employment Law – 5511 Capital Center Dr., Ste. Conveyances Between Husband and Wife," Accessed Dec. 6, 2019. Tenancy by the entirety applies only to real estate in the following states: Alaska; Indiana; Kentucky; New York; North Carolina; Rhode Island; Tenancy by the entirety for all property is recognized by these states: Arkansas; Delaware; Florida; Hawaii; Maryland; Massachusetts; Mississippi; Missouri; New Jersey; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Vermont; Virginia; Wyoming Should one spouse die, their interest automatically passes to the other spouse. A married couple owning real property in North Carolina is granted special creditor protection over that real property, whether a primary or secondary residence, unimproved real estate or commercial or industrial real property. U. L. Rev. Review your state for this Asset Protection strategy. 1.1 The asset protection afforded married couples in Maryland with tenancy by the entirety is strong. ©2020 Carolina Family Estate Planning, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission, 2020 Year-End Legal, Tax, Insurance, and Financial Planning Opportunities, SBA Loans & Economic Incentives Update for April 3, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) CFEP Resource Center, Have We Got a Deal for You (if you have a pension). This can be very important when you have a … While the following is not intended to be an exhaustive list, make note that the above list of assets does not include many common forms of assets. Property that is used as a residence by the debtor or a dependent of the debtor or a burial plot is exempt from creditors up to an aggregate value of $18,500.. . The legal term “exemption,” in the creditor-debtor setting, is a fancy term for “protection.” North Carolina General Statute § 1C-1601 protects property from the claims of creditors up to a certain value. Fayetteville, NC 28311, Attorney Responsible for content: H. Terry Hutchens |, SC 20-Year Statute Insurance Policy Under Seal, Unanimous Ruling Could Impact Workers Comp Cases. Were a court to abolish tenancy by the entirety in North Carolina, the clear benefits of tenancy by the entirety would be lost to all married couples, both "traditional" (i.e., a man and a woman) and same-sex. Under North Carolina law, real property held by a husband and wife as a tenancy by the entireties is protected from the creditors of each individual spouse, who cannot force a sale of the property to pay a debt. (b) Any transaction between a husband and wife pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of G.S. national Asset Protection Attorneys. It is important to note that a couple must be married at the time the property is purchased for it to be considered held as tenants by entirety. One of the benefits in North Carolina and many other states is that when you hold property as a married couple, you receive a special level of asset protection from creditors.This is called a “tenancy by entirety”. If you need to change your ownership interest, a simple deed is likely the answer. Be warned that this has significant limitations: (1) It’s only for married couples; (2) The real estate is not protected if both husband and wife are a party to the lawsuit or claim; (3) The deed must be set up correctly; and (4) After the death of a spouse, the real estate is no longer protected for the surviving spouse. Both spouses are required to sign a Deed, Deed of Trust or any other instrument conveying an interest in the property. However, they remain subject to claims from funeral, legal, medical, dental, hospital, and health care charges relating to the accident or injury that resulted in the disability payments. Tenancy by the entirety (or entireties) is not an exemption, but rather a method of ownership that fulfills the same role. 39-13.7 gives husbands and wives tenancy by the entirety protection … Judgments only against one spouse cannot attach to the property unless it is a federal tax lien. THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE NEW LAW North Carolina General Statutes Sec. In certain instances, for individuals over the age of 65, this protection may increase to $60,000. In doing so, spouses hold equal ownership of the property, which arrives with many perks. This type of ownership is only for married couples and provides some special rights and restrictions. Over the years, I’ve noticed two common misconceptions of tenancy by entirety: Misconception #1: Getting married after the conveyance will automatically change the ownership interest to tenancy by the entirety. 52-10 or 52-10.1 whenever applicable. Married couples in North Carolina enjoy extra asset protections by holding title as Tenants by the Entirety. The instrument does not have to state the couple is married, as long as they are legally married at the time of conveyance tenants by entirety is automatic unless there is express language to the contrary. And in our experience, even if only one spouse is in the car and causes an accident, due to how married couples generally title and manage their automobiles, both spouses are likely to become parties to any lawsuit arising from the accident. "§ 39-13.3. Compliments of The Presser Law Firm P.A. Asset protection planning is about mitigating your risks and protecting your wealth. That is, while a couple is married, creditors of one spouse, with certain restrictions, can seize the assets of both spouses. Jointly or individually owned bank accounts; Jointly or individually owned investment and brokerage accounts; Jointly or individually owned stocks, bonds, or similar; Jointly or Individually owned real estate (above the home exemption); Personal property in excess of the low asset limits outlined above; Businesses operated as a sole proprietorship. North Carolina real estate law provides for a special form of property ownership for a married couple called Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE). Recommended Citation Jane H. Porter,Real Property--Tenancy by the Entirety in North Carolina: An Idea Whose Time Has Gone, 58N.C. Therefore, when one of the unit members passes away the other automatically by operation of law becomes the only owner of the property. If you are unsure as to how you own a property with your spouse or ex-spouse, be sure to contact your local real estate attorney. Lenders: What’s the big deal, it’s just a power of attorney? It has been accepted for inclusion in North Carolina Law Review by an authorized administrator of Carolina Law Scholarship Repository. Fill out the quick contact form below, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss the next steps for your estate planning or long-term care planning needs. *For more information on the criteria for inclusion, please click on the logo to be taken to the methodology page of these organizations. [2] Tenancy by the Entirety Ownership of Real Estate Provides the Best Asset Protection Device for Married Debtors Against Their Individual Creditors To have a valid tenant by the entirety’s ownership, the couple must acquire the property at the same time and the title to the property must be granted by the same instrument. This means that one party to the marriage cannot sell or borrow against the property without the consent of the other party. North Carolina General Assembly. Lack of appropriate insurances for proper protection; Overpaying on taxes due to lack of or inefficient planning; Not having a plan for health care and long-term care costs during retirement; Someone getting injured at your home, vacation property, or rental property and suing you; Causing a dog bit or car accident that results in serious injuries or death; Your spouse or teen driver causing a car accident; A professional malpractice lawsuit if you are a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or similar; A business lawsuit due to an injured employee, a faulty product, breach of contract, or similar; or. In the event North Carolina law applies to determine ownership of the note, what is North Carolina law regarding entireties title to personal property. Tenancy by the entirety is a special type of co-ownership that is only available to a husband and wife. Learn more about North Carolina real estate titles and the asset protections. This is a valuable tool for asset protection, and the North Carolina legislature has now expanded its function. 1057, 1114 n.207 (1995)). Estate Tax, Gift Tax, & Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax, Spousal Lifetime Access Trust for Asset Protection & Tax Planning, ©2020 Carolina Family Estate Planning, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy PolicyWebsite Built by Foster Web Marketing Website Powered By Dynamic Self-Syndication (DSS™)Site MapDSS Login. The definition of Tenancy by the Entirety (abbreviated T by E) is as follows: A type of ownership where a husband and wife each owns an undivided interest in the property. Misconception #2: How property interests are handled after divorce if the property was held as tenants by entirety. Executing a separation agreement or including it in the divorce decree will not automatically convey the property. Tenancy by the Entirety (also known as Tenants in the Entirety) is a form of ownership that legally recognizes the married couple as a single entity. Tenancy By The Entirety States and Community Property States. However, it is important to note that this protection is rapidly eroding. Therefore, ownership of real estate as tenants by the entirety can be an effective asset protection tool. 1 Massey, “When the Tenancy by the Entirety Doctrine Meets the Bankruptcy Code: Clash of the Titans,” 73 Fla. B.J. Homestead Protection. Contact Carolina Family Estate Planning today at (919) 443-3035 or fill out our online form to speak with someone about registering for a seminar or a Vision Meeting. If a married couple owns real estate as “tenants by the entirety,” then the real estate is protected from the creditors of just one spouse. In addition, any contributions made within one year of a bankruptcy filing may be at risk unless the contributions were consistent with your past pattern of contributions. Disability Payments may be protected under North Carolina law (see NCGS §1C-1601(a)(8)) if they are reasonably necessary for your support. If you’ve accumulated assets and wealth, you may find yourself worrying about losing it all to an unfortunate crisis or innocent mistake. If set up properly, any cash build up in a life insurance policy will be protected from your creditors' claims and upon your death, will pass to your family protected from your creditors' claims. Here in North Carolina, unless a deed states otherwise, married couples own real estate as Tenants by the Entirety. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Crippling medical debts from an unexpected illness. In North Carolina, if you are unmarried at the time of purchase, both spouses must execute a new deed to themselves to create a tenancy by the entirety ownership. Creditors can't pursue a lien on a house owned as tenancy by the entirety… Of all co-ownership types, tenancy by the entirety (TBE) is the only one that may provide meaningful asset protection. There are other nominal miscellaneous exemptions the limits of which are relatively low and don’t provide significant protection such as $3,500 of value in an automobile, household furniture and possessions up to $9,000, and tools for a profession or trade of up to $2,000. Some other states recognize the common law asset protection doctrine of tenancy by the entirety too. For example, you cannot sell or encumber the property or any interest in the property without the other spouse. The North Carolina Homestead Exemption (see NCGS §1C-1601(a)(1)) protects up to $35,000 of equity in a home for a single individual or $70,000 of equity for a married couple with a joint creditor. § 1C-1601(a)(1)). If you are married and want to buy property in North Carolina, tenancy by the entirety - a type real property ownership - provides three important benefits to you: With a tenancy by entirety, the marital unit owns 100%. Owning Property as Tenants by the Entirety: What Married Couples Should Know. Do You Need a North Carolina Asset Protection Plan? In short, legislation in North Carolina preserved tenancy by the entirety by eliminating the risks inherent in litigation. A Tenancy by Entirety provides one of the strongest forms of creditor protection. 1.1 Asset Protection With Tenancy By The Entireties. 4317 Ramsey Street For example, if a married couple owns their home as tenants by the entirety and the husband is sued, the home is protected if the wife is not a part of the lawsuit. Conveying one’s half interest in the property after a divorce involves recording a new instrument of conveyance. Federal tax liens against one spouse will attach to that spouse’s interest in the tenants by the entirety property. Also, bear in the mind that automobile accidents are a common cause for lawsuits. [1] Generally, a creditor of one spouse cannot attach tenancy by the entirety property unless the debt is an obligation of both. In very specific circumstances, real estate may be protected. For more information, please contact law_repository@unc.edu. entirety in North Carolina. For couples in the process of ending a marriage, you should know that a divorce severs the tenancy by the entirety and results in the couple owning the property as tenants in common with a 50/50 ownership interest each. North Carolina Asset Protection Summary. North Carolina General Statute § 39-13.6 states: § 39-13.6 Control of real property held in tenancy by the entirety. Hutchens Law Firm LLP It is estimated that fully ninety per cent of all husbands and wives select this form of co-ownership when a home is purchased.' This exemption rises to $60,000 if the debtor is age 65 or older, the property is held as tenants by the entirety or joint tenants with right of survivorship, and the debtor's spouse has died. Another recent bankruptcy case found that a retirement plan received from an ex-spouse during a divorce is not protected. 529 Plans have some protection under North Carolina Law (see NCGS §1C-1601(a)(10)) but are subject to some specific limitations. The following states allow for tenancy by entirety, but real estate is the only type of property that it can be used for: Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. In community property states, the assets of each spouse are considered assets of the marital unit.The assets of each partner in the relationship are not legally separate from those of the spouse. Another trait is Right of Survivorship, meaning that when one spouse dies, the other is entitled to receive the share of the one who died. The Presser Law Firm, P.A. Community Property States vs. Common Law. Ohio Laws and Rules. Importantly, exemptions do not necessarily protect the value of that property, but rather, the amount of equity you have in the property. Applicable only to real property in North Carolina, a tenancy by the entirety is created by deed of property to married co-owners. In North Carolina, if a married couple owns real property jointly as "tenants by the entirety," then a creditor of only one of the spouses typically cannot reach the jointly-owned real property. In Florida, the answer is “YES.” Tenancy by the entirety is alive and well in Florida asset protection law. Debts. North Carolina law recognizes tenants by entireties ownership of personal property such as a promissory note. In certain instances, for individuals over the age of 65, this protection may increase to $60,000. 180, Raleigh, NC 27606 – 919.237.9220 List of states with Tenancy by the entirety. What is Tenancy by Entirety? If I Have a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Do I Need Additional Asset Protection Planning? The North Carolina Homestead Exemption (see NCGS §1C-1601 (a) (1)) protects up to $35,000 of equity in a home for a single individual or $70,000 of equity for a married couple with a joint creditor. A creditor must have a valid claim against both husband and wife prior to placing a lien on the real estate. If the separation agreement or divorce decree states the wife will convey her entire half interest to the husband, the wife must execute and record a deed conveying that interest. L. Rev.997 (1980). Alimony and Child Support are protected under North Carolina law (see NCGS §1C-1601(a)(12)) to the extent that they are reasonably necessary for you or your dependent child. 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