Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)
A Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, is a specialized type of deed used in Florida to transfer real estate while avoiding probate. It allows property owners to retain control of their property during their lifetime while naming beneficiaries who will receive the property automatically upon death.
At Lamas Law, we help clients in Miami and Broward understand how Lady Bird Deeds work and how they can be used to protect assets, maintain control, and simplify the transfer of property to loved ones.
What Is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed is a legal document that:
Transfers property to designated beneficiaries upon your death
Allows you to retain full control of the property while you are alive
Enables you to sell, mortgage, or change the property at any time without your beneficiaries’ consent
Avoids probate, so your heirs can receive the property quickly and without court involvement
This makes it a powerful tool for estate planning, especially for homeowners who want to keep flexibility and control while ensuring their loved ones inherit the property efficiently.
Benefits of a Lady Bird Deed
1. Avoids Probate
Property passes directly to beneficiaries without the delays, costs, and public exposure of probate.
2. Maintains Control During Life
Unlike a traditional life estate deed, you retain the right to sell, mortgage, or change your property at any time.
3. Protects Medicaid Eligibility
Lady Bird Deeds can help protect your property from Medicaid estate recovery, which can be critical for long-term care planning.
4. Simplifies Estate Planning
The deed provides a straightforward way to transfer property to heirs while maintaining flexibility and avoiding complex trust structures.
5. Reduces Family Conflicts
Clearly naming beneficiaries reduces the potential for disputes and ensures your wishes are honored.
How Lamas Law Can Help
Creating a Lady Bird Deed requires careful attention to Florida law and consideration of your unique situation. At Lamas Law, we:
Advise on whether a Lady Bird Deed is right for your property
Draft legally valid deeds tailored to your goals
Explain how the deed affects control, taxes, and long-term planning
Help you integrate the deed into a broader estate plan for maximum protection
Plan Today to Protect Your Property and Loved Ones
A Lady Bird Deed is a simple yet powerful way to protect your home, avoid probate, and ensure your property passes smoothly to your loved ones.
📞 Contact our estate planning attorneys in Miami and Broward to schedule a consultation and learn how a Lady Bird Deed can fit into your estate planning strategy.