If you are planning your estate, you might be asking a common question: "If I already have a trust, do I still need a Lady Bird Deed?" The short answer is: It’s not always one or the other.  While both tools are designed to help your loved ones avoid the headaches of probate, attorneys often suggest utilizing the two of them together for maximum protection and efficiency. Quick Answer: The Strategy A Lady Bird Deed (available in Texas, Vermont, Michigan, West Virginia, and Fl

You’ve worked your entire life for your home. You don’t want your kids fighting in probate court. So you think: “I’ll just put the deed in my favorite child’s name now and write in my will that when they sell it, they have to split the proceeds with their siblings.” Stop right there. That plan will almost certainly fail – and your family could lose everything you intended for them. Here’s the harsh truth most people discover too late: A deed beats a will – every single time.

In the world of estate planning, Lady Bird deeds have become a popular tool for Florida homeowners looking to pass on their property smoothly without the headaches of probate. But a common question arises: When you change your deed to a Lady Bird deed , do you have to pay fees like documentary stamp taxes (doc stamps) or county recording fees? If you're in Florida and considering this option, you're in the right place. This guide breaks it down step by step, based on expert i

In Florida estate planning, one common question stands out: Why not just put real property in a trust to avoid probate?  While a revocable living trust is often the gold standard for transferring assets seamlessly, it isn’t always the most practical or cost-effective choice. Sometimes, adding heirs to a deed with rights of survivorship—or using a Lady bird deed —makes more sense depending on your financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term tax goals. This guide breaks

In Florida, many people use quitclaim deeds as a simple way to transfer property ownership, especially when planning for the future. A common scenario involves adding family members to the deed to ensure the property passes smoothly without probate. For example, imagine a situation where a mother adds her 34-year-old grandson and 24-year-old granddaughter to her quitclaim deed with survivorship, listing her name first. The big question: Will the property go straight to them w

A common question about Lady Bird Deeds  (also known as Enhanced Life Estate Deeds) is when they should be recorded. Below, we explain...

If you're navigating estate planning in Florida, you've likely come across terms like "Lady Bird deed" and "homestead exemption." These...

When planning your estate, you may wonder whether a Lady Bird deed  or a living trust  is the better option for transferring your assets,...