Timeshares: The Gift That Keeps on Taking
Helping Clients Let Go of Timeshares — Before Their Estate Has To
Let’s talk about a recurring question that comes up in our clients’ meetings: the dreaded timeshare.
You know the one — the “free vacation” that turned into a $1,000+ annual fee for a week in Florida during hurricane season. And now your client wants to make sure their kids don’t inherit it.
The problem? Timeshares are sticky. Many clients assume they can simply leave them out of their will or trust. But as you and I both know, if it’s titled in their name, it’s part of their estate — and the maintenance fees, special assessments, and general headache don’t magically disappear.
I highly recommend that my clients deal with the timeshares before they become a legacy problem:
🛎 1. Call the Resort First
Some developers (especially the big ones like Wyndham, Marriott, etc.) offer a “deed-back” program — particularly if the mortgage is paid off and the fees are current.
I encourage all of my clients to start here. It’s the cleanest option and often costs nothing (or a modest administrative fee).
💸 2. Try to Sell It (Tempered Expectations Required)
Sites like RedWeek, TUG2.net, and even eBay have active resale markets — though “sale” might mean giving it away for $1 and paying the transfer fees.
If the timeshare is in a desirable location or has points-based flexibility, someone might bite.
🤝 3. Give It Away
Yes, literally. The TUG forums have a section just for people looking to unload their timeshares for free. Clients can also try local Facebook groups or word-of-mouth — “Do you know anyone who wants a week in Cabo every other March?” It’s worth a shot.
⚖️ 4. If All Else Fails, Call an Exit Company or Attorney
There are a handful of legit exit companies out there, but the timeshare exit world is full of scams and sketchy promises. If you feel you were misled or pressured during the original purchase, a consumer protection attorney may be able to help cancel the contract entirely — especially if it’s recent.
🚨 5. Do Not Just Walk Away (Without Understanding the Fallout)
Yes, people do this. And while sometimes the resort eventually forecloses, it can also lead to collections, credit damage, and unnecessary stress for family members down the line.
🧾 What Happens When a Timeshare Owner Dies?
If a timeshare is titled in the decedent’s name, it becomes part of the probate estate — just like any other piece of real property. That means the executor or personal representative is now responsible for handling it: paying fees, managing paperwork, and ultimately transferring or selling it. If the heirs don’t want it (and most don’t), they may need to disclaim the inheritance or go through additional legal steps to avoid being stuck with it. And of course, the maintenance fees keep coming in the meantime. It’s a mess no one wants their family dealing with.
📌 A Note on All This
This isn’t an area I handle directly — I’m not a timeshare exit expert or consumer protection attorney. This information is based on internet research and general best practices I’ve come across while trying to help clients and their families. My goal is simply to pass along useful info to those who find themselves stuck with a timeshare they no longer want. When in doubt, I always recommend they consult with a professional who handles this sort of work regularly.
💼 Why Does This Matter to Us?
Because we’re not just planning assets — we’re planning transitions. That timeshare might seem minor in your estate, but if it causes family members to chase paperwork across three states and pay maintenance fees during probate, it suddenly becomes a major headache.
Until Next Time,
Julie