Home changed to Lifetime Estate

Due to illness and having to retire, I obtained a life estate on my home. This was handled through an attorney. Deed changed to include son and daughter in laws names and of course mine. HOA demanding copy of transaction because they feel my son bought the house from me and that I am no longer the owner; thus cannot be on the BOD or have a vote Need some advice.

GlloriaB: Make it clear to the Board that you have only ADDED your son/daughter for estate purposes, but you remain on the deed as well. You
want to go on record with the Board that you will continue to be a member in good standing with all fees paid when due, and continue to enjoy the privileges of a member of the assn.

You may want to put the deed name/addition in a letter to them so they have it for your owner file.

What is a "Life Estate" - is that the same as establishing a trust?

Sort of the same. I still am an owner just added my son and his wifes name to the deed so they get the house upon my death. Assoc. thinks I'm trying to pull a fast one and demand a copy of the new deed. Hard to imagine because I have been an owner here for over 16 yrs. Thanks, g

Sorry, clicked too soon. Was wondering if they consider this a transfer and want a transfer fee or something like that. Your lawyer needs to write them a strong letter. H

Source http://en.wikipedia.org
A life estate, is a term used in common law to describe the ownership of land for the duration of a person's life. In legal terms it is an estate in real property that ends at death. The owner of a life estate is called a "life tenant".

Although the ownership of a life estate is technically temporary because it ends at a person's death (a tenancy), it is treated as complete ownership (fee simple) for the duration of the person's life, subject to limitations. Because a life estate ceases to exist upon death, the owner of the life estate cannot leave it to heirs, and the life estate cannot be inherited.

An owner of a life estate cannot also give a greater interest than is owned. That is, a life estate owner cannot give complete and indefinite ownership (fee simple) to another person because ownership in the property ends when the life tenant dies. If, however, the original grantee has sold his life estate [ex. from A to B], B's interest lasts until A dies, allowing B to bequest his interest, sell the land, etc. until that point. Once A dies, however, whoever possesses the land loses it (with the land likely reverting to its original grantor). This is a life estate "pur autre vie," or the life of another. Such a life estate can also be conveyed originally, such as "to A until B dies."

Thank you, I especially appreciated the explanation of fee simple because covenant states mtg. (which there is none) must be fee simple. g

I know what you mean and appreciate your comment. I feel a little stubborn regarding this because of the mean way I was approached. I know what has to be done. g