Enhanced Life Estate Deed in Florida

An Enhanced Life Estate Deed, commonly known as a Lady Bird Deed, is a Florida-specific estate planning tool that allows you to transfer real estate to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death without going through probate, while maintaining full ownership and control during your lifetime.

For Florida property owners, a Lady Bird Deed can be an effective way to simplify estate administration and protect real estate assets.

 

What Is a Lady Bird Deed in Florida?

A Lady Bird Deed allows the property owner to retain a life estate with enhanced powers, including the ability to:

• Sell the property
  
  
• Mortgage or refinance the property
  
  
• Change beneficiaries
  
  
• Maintain full control of the property
  
  

All without the consent of the remainder beneficiaries. Upon the owner’s death, the property transfers automatically to the named beneficiaries.

 

Benefits of a Lady Bird Deed

When used appropriately, a Lady Bird Deed can provide several advantages:

• Avoids probate for the property
  
  
• Maintains full control during your lifetime
  
  
• Allows automatic transfer to beneficiaries at death
  
  
• Preserves homestead protections under Florida law
  
  
• May help with Medicaid planning when properly structured
  
  

This makes it a valuable option for many Florida homeowners.

 

Is a Lady Bird Deed Right for You?

While Lady Bird Deeds offer significant benefits, they are not appropriate for every situation. Factors such as family dynamics, creditor concerns, Medicaid eligibility, and long-term estate goals must be considered.

We help clients evaluate whether a Lady Bird Deed aligns with their overall estate planning strategy and how it interacts with wills, trusts, and other legal documents.

 

Lady Bird Deed Services in Florida

We assist clients throughout Florida with:

• Preparing and drafting Enhanced Life Estate Deeds
  
  
• Coordinating Lady Bird Deeds with comprehensive estate plans
  
  
• Reviewing existing deeds for accuracy and legal compliance
  
  
• Advising on homestead, tax, and planning considerations
  
  

Every deed is carefully prepared to ensure it functions as intended under Florida law.

Protecting Your Property and Your Legacy

A properly drafted Lady Bird Deed can provide peace of mind by ensuring your property transfers smoothly to your beneficiaries while you retain full control during your lifetime.

Working with an experienced Florida estate planning attorney helps ensure the deed is valid, effective, and aligned with your long-term goals.