Lady Bird Deeds: A Powerful Tool For Estate Planning In Michigan
Last updated on July 22, 2025
Are you interested in transferring your home to loved ones without probate while retaining complete control during your lifetime? A Lady Bird deed may be the solution.
I am attorney Robert D. Paulbeck, serving those in Trenton, the Downriver area and across Southeast Michigan. With 30 years of experience, I can provide the guidance necessary to create a sound estate plan using Lady Bird deeds.
What Is A Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird deed, officially known as an enhanced life estate deed, allows you to name a beneficiary to receive your property upon your death. This unique deed is recognized in Michigan, making it crucial to work with a state lawyer. Unlike traditional life estate deeds, you retain complete control over your property during your lifetime.
Why Consider A Lady Bird Deed?
Several key benefits make Lady Bird deeds particularly valuable for Southeast Michigan families planning their estates.
- Probate avoidance: Property transfers directly to beneficiaries, bypassing costly probate proceedings
- Retain full control: You can sell, mortgage or lease the property without beneficiary consent
- Medicaid planning benefits: Property typically does not count as a countable asset for Medicaid eligibility
- Avoid Medicaid estate recovery: Property may be protected from Medicaid recovery claims
- Tax benefits: Maintain homestead exemption and beneficiaries receive stepped-up cost basis
These advantages make Lady Bird deeds attractive for many Downriver area residents concerned about probate costs and Medicaid planning.
Is A Lady Bird Deed Right For Your Michigan Estate Plan?
Lady Bird deeds work best for individuals primarily concerned with avoiding probate for their home while retaining full control. They are particularly valuable for clients worried about potential Medicaid long-term care costs in simpler estates where the home is the primary asset.
More complex estates with multiple properties or special needs beneficiaries might benefit more from revocable living trusts.
Contact Our Trenton Estate Planning Office
If you are considering a Lady Bird deed for your Michigan estate plan, call Robert D. Paulbeck, Attorney at Law, at 734-800-2699 or fill out our online contact form for skilled guidance in Trenton and throughout Southeast Michigan.