What Is a Lady Bird Deed and Why Do Michigan Homeowners Use One?

A Michigan Lady Bird Deed transfers real property directly to your named beneficiaries at death without going through probate court. Also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed in Michigan, it operates under Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code (MCL 700.1101).

When properly drafted, you keep full control of your property during your lifetime. Sell it, refinance it, or revoke the Lady Bird Deed entirely without your beneficiaries' consent.

At death, the property transfers automatically through the county Register of Deeds under Michigan Land Title Standards 9.3. No Michigan probate court. No revocable living trust required.

Without a Lady Bird Deed, Michigan probate typically takes 5 to 12 months. During that time the home cannot be sold or transferred, and your heirs are still responsible for the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Probate costs can run an additional 4 to 8 percent of estate value on top of that.

A Lady Bird Deed is one of the most effective ways Michigan homeowners avoid probate and transfer property directly to their heirs.

For routine residential properties only. Complex title issues, multiple owners, trusts, and non-standard ownership structures may not qualify. All matters are subject to acceptance by the firm.