Florida homeowners have a powerful tool for passing property to their loved ones without the cost and delay of probate court. But without thoughtful planning, this tool can have devastating long-term consequences. Stephen Lacey, a Florida estate planning attorney, breaks down exactly how Lady Bird deeds work, why retained control sets them apart from traditional life estate deeds, and the situations where they make the most sense — including Medicaid planning and late-life transfers.
Stephen also covers the mistakes that derail these deeds: missing spousal signatures, missing the enhanced language that makes the deed valid, and naming grantees who predecease the grantor. A do-it-yourself deed can trigger tax reassessments, invalidate homestead protections, or spark family disputes that outlast any lawsuit.
One conversation with the right attorney can prevent all of it.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What a Lady Bird deed is and why Florida homeowners are talking about it
- How retained control separates enhanced life estate deeds from traditional ones
- When a Lady Bird deed makes sense — and when a trust is the smarter move
- The homestead rules that catch even attorneys off guard
- Why DIY deeds can trigger tax reassessments and family disputes that don’t heal
- Medicaid planning and why no actual title transfer matters more than people realize
- What to expect when calling Stephen Lacey’s office for an estate planning conversation
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