Constructive Trust: An Alternative To Creditor Equitable Lien Upon Homestead
Creative creditors and their attorneys are looking for ways to get around debtor’s unlimited Florida homestead protection. There are exceptions to unlimited homestead protection.
One exception is when a debtor acquired money by fraud and used the proceeds of the fraud to buy a homestead. If the creditor can prove that the debtor purchased the homestead with the intent to protect the money from creditors the court may put an equitable lien on the homestead. The court will not force the sale, but the creditor will have a lien on proceeds of a sale or refinance.
An alternative to the equitable lien for fraudulent conversion of fraud proceeds is the remedy of a constructive trust. Courts may impose a constructive trust on property to achieve fair and equitable relief. Constructive trusts are used to remedy unjust enrichment, fraud, and duress. If a creditor can show that proceeds of civil fraud flowed into a debtor’s homestead the court can impose a constructive trust on the property for the benefit of the defrauded creditor notwithstanding the fact that the debtor did not invest in the homestead with primarily to shield the fraud proceeds.
About the Author
Jon Alper is an expert in asset protection planning for individuals and small businesses.

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