Protecting Your Home and Assets with a Lady Bird Deed in Michigan
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most common questions we hear at Abraham Law in Fenton, Michigan is: “How do I protect my home and make sure it avoids probate?”
For many families, the primary residence is their biggest asset. Some also own a cottage up north, a condo down south, or rental property. Real estate is a major part of an estate plan, and that’s where a powerful tool called a Lady Bird deed comes into play.
What Is A Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird deed—technically called an Enhanced Life Estate Deed—is a special type of deed that allows you to name a beneficiary directly on your real estate, similar to how you can name beneficiaries on a life insurance policy or a bank account.
In simple terms, a Lady Bird deed lets you:
Keep full ownership and control of your home during your lifetime.
Avoid jeopardizing any state or federal benefits.
Name who will inherit the property when you pass away.
Avoid probate court for your real estate.
How Does a Lady Bird Deed Work in Michigan?
Here’s why it’s such a great tool:
You stay in control.
With a Lady Bird deed, you (and your spouse, if married) keep the right to live in, use, and even sell or refinance your home during your lifetime. Nothing changes about how you live in your home.Automatic transfer after death.
When you pass away, the property automatically transfers to your named beneficiary (or your trust, if used in combination with one). This avoids the time, cost, and hassle of probate court.
Extra protection for married couples.
In Michigan, when a husband and wife own property together, it’s called tenancy by the entirety. This means both spouses own the home as a whole—not just half each. That ownership structure offers strong legal protection against certain creditors, and a Lady Bird deed helps preserve that benefit.
Why Use a Lady Bird Deed with a Trust?
At Abraham Law, we often recommend using a Lady Bird deed alongside a revocable living trust. Here’s why:
The Lady Bird deed ensures your real estate avoids probate.
The trust ensures your other assets—like bank accounts, investments, or personal property—also pass smoothly to your loved ones.
Together, they create a comprehensive plan to protect your family and your legacy.
Key Benefits at a Glance
✅ Avoids probate for real estate
✅ Keeps you in control during your lifetime
✅ Protects married couples through Michigan’s unique ownership laws
✅ Coordinates seamlessly with a trust
Few Thoughts from Matt…Your home is more than just property—it’s security, memories, and often your largest asset. A Lady Bird deed is one of the most effective tools to protect it and when used in conjunction with a trust, it makes sure it passes smoothly to the people you love.
At Abraham Law in Fenton, Michigan, Attorney Matthew Abraham has been helping families for over 30 years with practical, hometown guidance on estate planning. If you’d like to learn more about Lady Bird deeds or explore how they can fit into your estate plan, give us a call at (810) 750-0440 or visit StartMyEstatePlan.com.