What Is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird deed — formally an enhanced life estate deed — is a Florida-recognized tool that lets you transfer your home to a beneficiary automatically at your death, while keeping full control over the property during your lifetime. You can still sell, mortgage, or even change your mind and name a different beneficiary at any time.
Because the property passes outside of probate, it’s often a simpler and less expensive option than a full trust when a home is the primary asset you’re planning around. It’s also a tool worth discussing with an attorney familiar with Medicaid planning, since it can help preserve eligibility in certain situations.
Our Process
Consulta
We review your property and family goals to confirm a Lady Bird deed fits your situation.
Draft & Record
We prepare the deed and record it with the county so it’s legally effective.
Peace of Mind
You keep full control of your home for life, and your family avoids probate on it later.
A Lady Bird deed covers your home specifically. If you have other assets to plan around too, a Living Trust or a Testamento y Últimas Voluntades may round out your plan. See our full Estate Planning services.
Common Questions
Is a Lady Bird deed available in every state?
No — only a handful of states recognize them, and Florida is one. It’s a state-specific tool, not a nationwide one.
Does it affect Medicaid eligibility?
Because you retain a controlling interest during your lifetime, a Lady Bird deed is often structured to avoid counting against Medicaid eligibility in ways an outright gift or transfer would. We can walk through how this applies to your situation.
Can I still sell or refinance the home after signing one?
Yes. You retain full control during your lifetime, including the ability to sell, mortgage, or change your named beneficiary.