Estate Planning
Lady Bird Deeds
Transfer your Florida home to your heirs without probate — while keeping full control of the property during your lifetime.
Estate Planning
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed — formally known as an "enhanced life estate deed" — is a unique type of real estate deed recognized in Florida that allows you to transfer your home to your heirs upon your death, without going through probate, while retaining full control of the property during your lifetime.
With a Lady Bird Deed, you remain the owner of your home. You can sell it, mortgage it, rent it, or change the beneficiary at any time — without the consent of the beneficiaries named in the deed. When you pass away, the property transfers automatically to your named beneficiaries, bypassing probate entirely.
Key Benefits of a Lady Bird Deed
Avoids Probate
The property transfers directly to your beneficiaries upon your death — no court involvement, no delays, no probate costs.
Preserves Your Homestead Exemption
Unlike some other transfer methods, a Lady Bird Deed does not affect your Florida homestead exemption or your property tax benefits.
Medicaid Planning Tool
A Lady Bird Deed can be an effective Medicaid planning strategy. Because you retain control of the property, it may not be counted as a gift for Medicaid eligibility purposes, and Florida's Medicaid estate recovery program generally cannot reach property transferred via a Lady Bird Deed.
No Gift Tax Implications
Because you retain the right to revoke the transfer, a Lady Bird Deed is generally not treated as a completed gift for federal gift tax purposes.
Simple and Cost-Effective
A Lady Bird Deed is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your home out of probate. It's a single document that can save your family significant time and money.
Is a Lady Bird Deed Right for You?
A Lady Bird Deed is an excellent tool for many Florida homeowners, but it's not the right solution for every situation. If you have a mortgage, multiple beneficiaries, or complex family dynamics, there may be better options. Our attorneys will review your specific situation and recommend the approach that best protects your home and your family.
Keep Your Home Out of Probate
Call (321) 541-6845 or schedule a consultation. Flat-fee Lady Bird Deed drafting for Brevard County homeowners.
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