[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flady-bird-deed":3},{"type":4,"data":5},"product",{"product_name":6,"slug":7,"category_slug":8,"order_type":9,"product_version_slug":10,"preview":11,"is_previewable":12,"related_products":13,"related_articles":39,"breadcrumbs":72,"productName":6,"productDescription":-1,"productVersionSlug":10,"localeId":-1,"landerSlug":7,"categorySlug":8,"_cmsSource":78,"hero":79,"quickLinks":104,"page_body":105,"meta_information":474,"sidebar_ad":477,"disclaimer":111,"stateSlug":81},"Lady Bird Deed","lady-bird-deed","estate-planning","Document","lbd-002","<lndoc id="LB_DEED_COMPREHENSIVE">  <br>  <!-- ===== RECORDING HEADER (replaces cover page) ===== -->  <!-- Matches appearance of provided example: recording-requested-by block,       mail-tax-statements-to block, and "space above this line for recorder's use" -->  <table class="recording-header" width="100%">    <tr>      <td width="60%" style="vertical-align: top;">        <p><strong>PREPARED BY:<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>                  <p><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan><\u002Fp>                <p><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan><\u002Fp>        <br>        <p><strong>AFTER RECORDING, RETURN TO:<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>                  <p><span style='background: #BBBBBB;'>_____________<\u002Fspan><\u002Fp>                <br>        <td width="40%" style="vertical-align: top; padding-left: 10px;">                   <\u002Ftd>      <\u002Ftr>    <\u002Ftable>    <p class="center small">Space above this line for recorder's use<\u002Fp>    <br>    <!-- STATE-SPECIFIC STATUTORY FORM SELECTION -->          <!-- DEFAULT: NO STATE SELECTED -->      <p><center><p class='title center'><strong>ENHANCED LIFE ESTATE DEED<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F><\u002Fp>      <br>      <p>A governing state has not yet been selected. A Lady Bird Deed is only recognized in Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. Please return to the questionnaire and select the state where the property is located to generate the correct version of this document.<\u002Fp>      <br>      <br>        <div class='-page-break'><\u002Fdiv>    <p><center><p class='title center'><strong>HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp><\u002Fcenter><br \u002F><br \u002F><\u002Fp>    <br>    <p><strong>Please read these instructions carefully before signing your deed.<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <br>    <p><strong>1. Confirm Your State Recognizes This Deed<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>A Lady Bird Deed (enhanced life estate deed) is currently recognized in ONLY five states: Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. If your property is not located in one of those five states, this document will not be effective, and you should consider a Transfer on Death Deed (where available), a Revocable Living Trust, or a traditional Life Estate Deed instead.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>2. Review Your Deed<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>Carefully review all of the information in this document, including the legal description of your property and the names of your beneficiaries. Confirm that everything is accurate before proceeding. If you notice an error, do not sign the deed — return to the questionnaire and correct the information first.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>3. Sign According to Your State's Requirements<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>Vermont, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia generally require ONLY notarization. Florida additionally requires two witnesses in addition to a notary.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>4. Record the Deed<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>A Lady Bird Deed generally only works as intended once it is recorded with the land records office before the grantor's death — the county recorder's office in Florida, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia, or the town clerk's office in Vermont. Recording puts the transfer on the public record and is required before it takes effect. Contact your local recording office to confirm requirements, fees, and accepted formats.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>5. Keep Copies<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>After recording, request a certified copy of the recorded deed for your records. Keep it in a safe place along with your other important estate planning documents and consider letting your named beneficiary know that the deed exists and where it is recorded.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>6. You Can Change Your Mind<\u002Fstrong><\u002Fp>    <p>Unlike an irrevocable transfer, a Lady Bird Deed lets you keep full control of the property during your lifetime, including the right to sell, mortgage, or otherwise transfer it, or to change your named beneficiary, without the beneficiary's consent or joinder.<\u002Fp>    <p><strong>This document does not constitute legal advice.<\u002Fstrong> If you have questions about how these instructions apply to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.<\u002Fp>  <\u002Flndoc>  \n\n",true,[14,18,21,24,27,30,33,36],{"product_name":15,"category":16,"link":17},"Transfer on Death Deed","Estate Planning","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Ftransfer-on-death-deed",{"product_name":19,"category":16,"link":20},"Last Will and Testament","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament",{"product_name":22,"category":16,"link":23},"Revocable Living Trust","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Frevocable-living-trust",{"product_name":25,"category":16,"link":26},"Affidavit of Heirship","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Faffidavit-of-heirship",{"product_name":28,"category":16,"link":29},"Pour Over Will","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fpour-over-will",{"product_name":31,"category":16,"link":32},"Last Will and Testament - with Trusts","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Flast-will-and-testament---with-trusts",{"product_name":34,"category":16,"link":35},"Affidavit of Domicile","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Faffidavit-of-domicile",{"product_name":37,"category":16,"link":38},"Codicil","\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning\u002Fcodicil",[40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68],{"title":41,"description":42,"link":43},"What Is a Codicil of Will?","Executing a last will and testament is an important element of proper estate planning. The last will and testament ensures that the division of an individual’s estate and assets are completed according to their own express wishes upon their...","\u002Fguides\u002Fwhat-is-a-codicil-of-will",{"title":45,"description":46,"link":47},"Can a Legal Representative Obtain a DNR?","A legal representative, such as a healthcare proxy or agent named in a healthcare power of attorney, can generally request and authorize a do not resuscitate (DNR) order on a patient's behalf when that patient is unable to make or communicate medical decisions. The legal authority to do so, ...","\u002Fguides\u002Fcan-a-legal-representative-obtain-a-dnr",{"title":49,"description":50,"link":51},"Should I Create a Will Codicil or a New Will?","A “codicil” is a fancy name for a document that updates your last will and testament. Depending on the situation, it may be better for you to create a codicil to your existing will as opposed to creating a completely new will, while at other...","\u002Fguides\u002Fshould-i-create-a-will-codicil-or-a-new-will",{"title":53,"description":54,"link":55},"How Does a Living Trust Avoid Probate?","Probate is one of those dreaded words that we hear from time to time that immediately conjures up thoughts of the courts taking away property that has been in the family for years. The problem with probate is that many people do not understand...","\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-does-a-living-trust-avoid-probate",{"title":57,"description":58,"link":59},"How to Transfer Property to Yourself After Your Spouse Dies","When a spouse passes away, the surviving spouse often needs to transfer property title from joint ownership or their deceased spouse's name into their sole name. This process involves executing a deed to yourself, which formally documents the change in ownership with your County Recorder's office. Understanding which type of deed ...","\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-to-transfer-property-to-yourself-after-your-spouse-dies",{"title":61,"description":62,"link":63},"Understanding the Probate Process","Probate can sound like a terrifying word and an even more terrifying process. However, it does not have to be. You can easily navigate the process when you understand the ins and outs of it. In fact, the probate process can consist of as little as four steps, so there is no need to overcomplicate it in your mind. What Is Probate? Probate is a common","\u002Fguides\u002Funderstanding-the-probate-process",{"title":65,"description":66,"link":67},"Components of an Estate Plan and How to Determine What You Need","An estate plan is something that everyone should have in place. Whether you only need one estate planning document or all of them will depend on your specific situation. While you may already have one component, such as a will, it may not be...","\u002Fguides\u002Fcomponents-of-an-estate-plan-and-how-to-determine-what-you-need",{"title":69,"description":70,"link":71},"Using LLCs for Estate Planning","An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business entity that is separate and apart from its owner(s). It offers asset protection and a less complicated tax and formal structure than a corporation. Small businesses and individuals often use...","\u002Fguides\u002Fusing-llcs-for-estate-planning",[73,76],{"label":74,"link":75},"All Documents","\u002Flegal-documents",{"label":16,"link":77},"\u002Fcategories\u002Festate-planning","payload",{"landerVariant":80,"headline":6,"headlineAccent":81,"subtitle":82,"legacySubtitleHtml":81,"checkmarkText":81,"desktopImage":83,"mobileImage":94,"desktopImageUrl":81,"mobileImageUrl":81,"ctaType":103,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81},"design-test-v3",null,"A lady bird deed, also called an enhanced life estate deed, is a legal document that transfers your real estate to a named beneficiary when you die, without going through probate.",{"id":84,"alt":81,"updatedAt":85,"createdAt":86,"url":87,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":88,"mimeType":89,"filesize":90,"width":91,"height":92,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},191,"2026-07-13T08:01:47.067Z","2026-07-13T08:01:46.766Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLady%20Bird%20Deed%20preview.png","Lady Bird Deed preview.png","image\u002Fpng",848262,1319,1592,50,{"id":95,"alt":81,"updatedAt":96,"createdAt":97,"url":98,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":99,"mimeType":89,"filesize":100,"width":101,"height":102,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},192,"2026-07-13T08:01:54.742Z","2026-07-13T08:01:54.698Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLady%20Bird%20Deed%20preview%20mobile.png","Lady Bird Deed preview mobile.png",49997,1134,690,"standard",[],[106,169,233,289,320,383,404,468],{"id":107,"content":108,"legacyHtml":81,"variant":164,"anchorId":81,"alignment":133,"ctaText":165,"ctaLink":166,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":167,"visibility":168},"6a3eabd0a7a34af47b72f96c",{"root":109},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":114,"direction":81},"root","",0,1,[115,123,132,137,156,160],{"tag":116,"type":117,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":118,"direction":81},"h2","heading",[119],{"mode":120,"text":121,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"normal","What is a lady bird deed?","text",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":125,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},"paragraph",[126,128,130],{"mode":120,"text":127,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"A lady bird deed is a type of real estate deed that lets a property owner transfer their home or land to a named beneficiary at death while retaining full ownership rights, including the right to sell, mortgage, or revoke the deed during their lifetime.",{"mode":120,"text":129,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113}," ",{"mode":120,"text":131,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Its formal legal name is an enhanced life estate deed.",{"type":124,"format":133,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":134,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},"left",[135],{"mode":120,"text":136,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"There are two primary parties involved in creating a lady bird deed:",{"tag":138,"type":139,"start":113,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":140,"listType":155,"direction":81,"textFormat":113},"ul","list",[141,148],{"type":142,"value":113,"format":133,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":143,"direction":81},"listitem",[144,146],{"mode":120,"text":145,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Grantor",{"mode":120,"text":147,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," - the current property owner who creates, signs, and records the deed. The grantor continues to own and control the property fully — paying taxes, maintaining insurance, and making decisions about the property — until death.",{"type":142,"value":149,"format":133,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":150,"direction":81},2,[151,153],{"mode":120,"text":152,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Beneficiary ",{"mode":120,"text":154,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"- the person or entity who will receive the property at the grantor's death. The beneficiary has no ownership interest, no right of access, and no ability to sell or encumber the property while the grantor lives. Their interest only vests — becomes real — at the moment of the grantor's death.","bullet",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":157,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[158],{"mode":120,"text":159,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"At death, ownership passes automatically to the named beneficiary without going through probate: the court-supervised process for distributing a deceased person's estate. The beneficiary simply records a certified copy of the death certificate with the county recorder to formalize the transfer.",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":161,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":113},[162],{"mode":120,"text":163,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Lady bird deeds are only recognized in a handful of states: Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.","default","Create Your Lady Bird Deed Today!","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fdocuments\u002Fcreate\u002Flady-bird-deed","rich-content",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":170,"heading":171,"layout":172,"columns":173,"itemStyle":174,"blockName":81,"items":175,"blockType":139,"visibility":232},"6a3ead1338e60792e95ba9be","Other property deeds","grid","3","card-with-image",[176,197,215],{"id":177,"title":178,"description":179,"legacyHtml":81,"image":186,"imageUrl":81,"url":196},"6a3ead1c38e60792e95ba9bf","Property Deed",{"root":180},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":181,"direction":81},[182],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":183,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[184],{"mode":120,"text":185,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"A property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). They must typically be signed, notarized, and filed with the county recorder's office to be legally effective.",{"id":187,"alt":81,"updatedAt":188,"createdAt":189,"url":190,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":191,"mimeType":192,"filesize":193,"width":194,"height":195,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},160,"2026-06-23T22:16:18.307Z","2026-06-23T22:16:18.263Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002Fgbmc7CvqQM2GkOv0JyO1","gbmc7CvqQM2GkOv0JyO1","image\u002Fwebp",362066,1200,1448,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fproperty\u002Fproperty-deed",{"id":198,"title":199,"description":200,"legacyHtml":81,"image":207,"imageUrl":81,"url":214},"6a3ead6638e60792e95ba9c0","Quit Claim Deed",{"root":201},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":202,"direction":81},[203],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":204,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[205],{"mode":120,"text":206,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor currently holds in a property without any guarantees that the title is clear or free of liens. It's commonly used between family members, divorcing spouses, or to clear up title issues rather than in standard real estate sales.",{"id":208,"alt":81,"updatedAt":209,"createdAt":210,"url":211,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":212,"mimeType":192,"filesize":213,"width":194,"height":195,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},159,"2026-06-23T22:15:51.773Z","2026-06-23T22:15:51.692Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002F3OCf5FGaSraEbMtdtMq4","3OCf5FGaSraEbMtdtMq4",399460,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fproperty\u002Fquit-claim-deed",{"id":216,"title":15,"description":217,"legacyHtml":81,"image":224,"imageUrl":81,"url":231},"6a3ead9c38e60792e95ba9c1",{"root":218},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":219,"direction":81},[220],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":221,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[222],{"mode":120,"text":223,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Functionally the same as a lady bird deed, this property deed transfers property at the owners death and avoids probate. This type of deed is available in different states from those that recognize lady bird deeds.",{"id":225,"alt":81,"updatedAt":226,"createdAt":227,"url":228,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":229,"mimeType":89,"filesize":230,"width":91,"height":92,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},166,"2026-06-25T17:05:03.522Z","2026-06-25T17:05:03.360Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FToDD%20preview.png","ToDD preview.png",848084,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.legalnature.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fproperty\u002Ftransfer-on-death-deed",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":234,"content":235,"legacyHtml":81,"variant":164,"anchorId":81,"alignment":133,"ctaText":81,"ctaLink":81,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":167,"visibility":288},"6a3eae3e633d6e3a9ef83cf3",{"root":236},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":237,"direction":81},[238,242,246],{"tag":116,"type":117,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":239,"direction":81},[240],{"mode":120,"text":241,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Why use a lady bird deed?",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":243,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":113},[244],{"mode":120,"text":245,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"A lady bird deed combines probate avoidance with lifetime flexibility — two benefits that most alternative estate planning tools offer separately, not together.",{"tag":138,"type":139,"start":113,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":247,"listType":155,"direction":81,"textFormat":113},[248,254,260,267,274,281],{"type":142,"value":113,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":249,"direction":81},[250,252],{"mode":120,"text":251,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Avoid probate entirely.",{"mode":120,"text":253,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," When you die, ownership of the property transfers automatically to your named beneficiary. There is no court involvement, no waiting period, and no probate fees.",{"type":142,"value":149,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":255,"direction":81},[256,258],{"mode":120,"text":257,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Retain full control during your lifetime.",{"mode":120,"text":259,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," You keep every right you have as a property owner: the rights to sell, refinance, lease, or live in the property, without needing your beneficiary's approval.",{"type":142,"value":261,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":262,"direction":81},3,[263,265],{"mode":120,"text":264,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Revoke or change the deed at any time.",{"mode":120,"text":266,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," Life changes. If your family circumstances shift, you can name a new beneficiary or cancel the deed altogether by recording an updated document. Your beneficiary has no say in this.",{"type":142,"value":268,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":269,"direction":81},4,[270,272],{"mode":120,"text":271,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Benefit from a stepped-up tax basis.",{"mode":120,"text":273,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," Your beneficiary inherits the property at its fair market value on the date of your death, not what you originally paid for it. This can significantly reduce capital gains taxes if they choose to sell.",{"type":142,"value":275,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":276,"direction":81},5,[277,279],{"mode":120,"text":278,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"Preserve homestead exemptions and property tax benefits.",{"mode":120,"text":280,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," In states like Florida and Texas, creating a lady bird deed does not disrupt existing homestead exemptions or trigger a property tax reassessment.",{"type":142,"value":282,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":283,"direction":81},6,[284,286],{"mode":120,"text":285,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":113,"version":113},"An alternative to a living trust.",{"mode":120,"text":287,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," For a single property with a clear beneficiary, a lady bird deed accomplishes the same probate-avoidance goal as a trust — often at a fraction of the cost and complexity.",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":290,"content":291,"legacyHtml":81,"variant":164,"anchorId":81,"alignment":133,"ctaText":318,"ctaLink":166,"padding":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":167,"visibility":319},"6a3eaf1b633d6e3a9ef83cf4",{"root":292},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":293,"direction":81},[294,299,314],{"tag":295,"type":117,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":296,"direction":81},"h3",[297],{"mode":120,"text":298,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Lady bird deed vs. transfer on death deed",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":300,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[301,303,312],{"mode":120,"text":302,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"A ",{"id":304,"type":305,"fields":306,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":261,"children":309,"direction":81},"6a3eaf30a803dcb41277b7e3","link",{"url":231,"newTab":307,"linkType":308},false,"custom",[310],{"mode":120,"text":311,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"transfer on death deed",{"mode":120,"text":313,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," (TODD) achieves the same core result as a lady bird deed: the property owner retains full control during their lifetime and the property passes to a named beneficiary at death without probate. Both instruments are revocable, both keep the beneficiary from having any rights to the property while the grantor is alive, and both bypass the probate process entirely at death. Lady bird deeds only allow for a single beneficiary, but may be executed by a valid power of attorney agent.",{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":315,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[316],{"mode":120,"text":317,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"If you own property in one of the five lady bird deed states, a lady bird deed is typically the preferred instrument. If your property is located elsewhere, a transfer on death deed accomplishes the same goal under the statutory framework of your state.","Start Your Lady Bird Deed Now",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":321,"heading":322,"blockName":81,"items":323,"blockType":381,"visibility":382},"6a3eaf83633d6e3a9ef83cf5","How to create your lady bird deed",[324,341,351,361,371],{"id":325,"title":326,"description":327,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eaf9e633d6e3a9ef83cf6","Confirm Your State Allows Lady Bird Deeds",{"root":328},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":329,"direction":81},[330],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":331,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[332,334,339],{"mode":120,"text":333,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Lady bird deeds are recognized in Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. If your property is located in another state, a ",{"id":335,"type":305,"fields":336,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":261,"children":337,"direction":81},"6a3eafbba803dcb41277b7e6",{"url":231,"newTab":307,"linkType":308},[338],{"mode":120,"text":311,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},{"mode":120,"text":340,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113}," accomplishes the same goal and is available in most other states.",{"id":342,"title":343,"description":344,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eafd2633d6e3a9ef83cf7","Collect the Required Information",{"root":345},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":346,"direction":81},[347],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":348,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[349],{"mode":120,"text":350,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"The deed must include your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your current title), the property's complete legal description, not just the street address, and the full legal name of each beneficiary. If you are naming an alternate beneficiary, include their full name as well.",{"id":352,"title":353,"description":354,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eaff3633d6e3a9ef83cf8","Complete Our Intuitive Form Online",{"root":355},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":356,"direction":81},[357],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":358,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[359],{"mode":120,"text":360,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"LegalNature's questionnaire guides you through each required field and builds a state-specific document, including the required enhanced life-estate language, based on your answers.",{"id":362,"title":363,"description":364,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb024633d6e3a9ef83cf9","Sign and Notarize the Deed",{"root":365},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":366,"direction":81},[367],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":368,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[369],{"mode":120,"text":370,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"The grantor must sign the deed in front of a notary public. Some states also require one or more witnesses in addition to notarization. Requirements vary by state.",{"id":372,"title":373,"description":374,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb034633d6e3a9ef83cfa","Record the Deed with Your County Recorder's Office",{"root":375},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":376,"direction":81},[377],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":378,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[379],{"mode":120,"text":380,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Take the signed, notarized deed to the county register or recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located. Recording fees vary by county. Once recorded, the deed is part of the public record and legally effective.","steps",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":384,"heading":385,"description":386,"legacyHtml":81,"image":393,"imageUrl":81,"layout":401,"blockName":81,"blockType":402,"visibility":403},"6a3eb086633d6e3a9ef83cfe","Why use LegalNature?",{"root":387},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":388,"direction":81},[389],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":390,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[391],{"mode":120,"text":392,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"LegalNature offers guidance to navigate the nuances of property transfer across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. LegalNature offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, then we're not happy. Give us a call and let us help.",{"id":394,"alt":81,"updatedAt":395,"createdAt":396,"url":397,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":398,"mimeType":192,"filesize":399,"width":194,"height":400,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},169,"2026-06-26T15:47:54.588Z","2026-06-26T15:47:54.509Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002F9XjrSCT3SqKbOVYYKZCI","9XjrSCT3SqKbOVYYKZCI",60256,800,"image-right","media-content",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":405,"heading":406,"background":407,"blockName":81,"items":408,"blockType":466,"visibility":467},"6a3eb0ac633d6e3a9ef83cff","Frequently asked questions","white",[409,426,436,446,456],{"id":410,"question":411,"answer":412,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb0b0633d6e3a9ef83d00","What states allow lady bird deeds?",{"root":413},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":414,"direction":81},[415],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":416,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[417,419,424],{"mode":120,"text":418,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Lady bird deeds are currently recognized in five states: Florida, Michigan, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. They are not available in other states as a matter of common law or statute. Property owners in other states who want to avoid probate and retain lifetime control should typically look into a ",{"id":420,"type":305,"fields":421,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":261,"children":422,"direction":81},"6a3eb0c4a803dcb41277b7e7",{"url":231,"newTab":307,"linkType":308},[423],{"mode":120,"text":311,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},{"mode":120,"text":425,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},".",{"id":427,"question":428,"answer":429,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb0f3633d6e3a9ef83d01","Can I revoke a lady bird deed after recording it?",{"root":430},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":431,"direction":81},[432],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":433,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[434],{"mode":120,"text":435,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Yes — revocability is one of the lady bird deed's defining features. You can revoke or amend the deed at any time during your lifetime by recording a revocation document or a new deed with your county recorder's office. No consent from your beneficiary is required. Your beneficiary has no legal interest in the property until your death, so they generally cannot block or challenge a revocation.",{"id":437,"question":438,"answer":439,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb110633d6e3a9ef83d02","What is the difference between a lady bird deed and a regular life estate deed?",{"root":440},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":441,"direction":81},[442],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":443,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[444],{"mode":120,"text":445,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"The core difference is control. With a traditional life estate deed, you give up significant rights once the deed is recorded — you cannot sell, refinance, or change the beneficiary without the remainderman's consent. A lady bird deed retains the \"enhanced\" power to do all of those things without asking anyone's permission.",{"id":447,"question":448,"answer":449,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb124633d6e3a9ef83d03","Does a lady bird deed avoid probate?",{"root":450},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":451,"direction":81},[452],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":453,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[454],{"mode":120,"text":455,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"Yes. Because the deed transfers ownership automatically at the grantor's death outside of the estate, the property does not pass through probate court. The beneficiary claims the property by recording a certified copy of the death certificate with the county recorder.",{"id":457,"question":458,"answer":459,"legacyHtml":81},"6a3eb14c633d6e3a9ef83d04","What happens if my beneficiary dies before me?",{"root":460},{"type":110,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":461,"direction":81},[462],{"type":124,"format":111,"indent":112,"version":113,"children":463,"direction":81,"textStyle":111,"textFormat":112},[464],{"mode":120,"text":465,"type":122,"style":111,"detail":112,"format":112,"version":113},"If your named beneficiary dies before you, you retain the right to update the deed and name a new one at any time by recording a new deed or revocation document. If you have not updated the deed and the beneficiary predeceases you, the outcome depends on the language in your deed and applicable state law.","faqs",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"id":469,"headline":470,"text":471,"image":81,"ctaText":81,"blockName":81,"blockType":472,"visibility":473},"6a3eb160633d6e3a9ef83d05","Create your lady bird deed today","Transfer your property on death and avoid probate. Prepare a state-compliant lady bird deed using LegalNature's intuitive online forms.","get-started",{"hideOnMobile":81,"hideOnDesktop":81},{"title":475,"description":476,"keyword":111,"og_image":111},"Lady Bird Deed | Create & Print | LegalNature","A Lady Bird deed lets you pass real estate to a beneficiary while keeping full control during your lifetime — no probate required. Create yours online with LegalNature.",{"headline":478,"image":479,"imageUrl":81,"steps":486},"Create your Lady Bird deed",{"id":480,"alt":81,"updatedAt":481,"createdAt":482,"url":483,"thumbnailURL":81,"filename":484,"mimeType":89,"filesize":485,"width":101,"height":102,"focalX":93,"focalY":93},204,"2026-07-20T13:35:34.013Z","2026-07-20T13:35:33.928Z","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fshared-cms-main-media.legalnature.com\u002FLady%20Bird%20Deed%20preview%20mobile-1.png","Lady Bird Deed preview mobile-1.png",69096,[487,490,493],{"id":488,"text":489},"6a3eb1ae633d6e3a9ef83d06","Complete our online form",{"id":491,"text":492},"6a3eb1b5633d6e3a9ef83d07","Download and print the completed deed",{"id":494,"text":495},"6a3eb1ba633d6e3a9ef83d08","Sign, notarize, and record your deed"]