A Smarter Way to Transfer Property in Florida
A Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, is a powerful estate planning tool that allows real estate to transfer automatically upon death, without going through probate.
At the Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva, we help clients use this strategy to protect their property, maintain control, and simplify the transfer process for their loved ones.
Serving clients throughout Florida. Virtual consultations available.
Wills
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing and allows you to name guardians for minor children.
Wills typically go through probate, which means the court oversees the administration and distribution of your estate.
Trusts
A trust is a legal structure that allows assets to be managed and distributed according to your instructions.
Depending on how it is set up, a trust can:
- avoid probate
- provide privacy
- allow for more control over how and when assets are distributed
- support long-term planning strategies
What Is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed allows you to retain full ownership and control of your property during your lifetime, while naming a beneficiary who will automatically receive the property upon your passing.
Florida Lady Bird Deed
Unlike traditional life estate deeds, this structure gives you the flexibility to:
- sell the property
- refinance
- change beneficiaries
- maintain complete control
All without needing permission from the future beneficiary.
How It Helps You Avoid Probate
One of the biggest advantages of a Lady Bird Deed is that it allows property to transfer outside of probate.
This means:
- no court involvement for that asset
- faster transfer to beneficiaries
- reduced legal costs
- less stress for your family
For many Florida homeowners, this is a simple and effective way to streamline estate planning.
Is a Lady Bird Deed Right for You?
This strategy can be a great fit if you:
- own real estate in Florida
- want to avoid probate for your property
- want to maintain full control during your lifetime
- are planning ahead for long-term care or Medicaid considerations
However, it is not the right solution for every situation.
Jessica works with you to determine whether a Lady Bird Deed fits within your overall estate planning strategy.
Part of a Larger Estate Plan
A Lady Bird Deed is often just one piece of a comprehensive plan.
Depending on your goals, it may be combined with:
- wills and trusts
- powers of attorney
- healthcare directives
- Medicaid planning strategies
The key is making sure everything works together.
Florida-Specific Planning Matters
Lady Bird Deeds are recognized in Florida and must be properly drafted to be effective.
The Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva works with:
- Florida residents
- out-of-state property owners with Florida real estate
- individuals planning to relocate to Florida
- families handling estates with Florida property
This ensures your deed is structured correctly and aligned with Florida law.
Work With Us From Anywhere
You do not need to be located near one of our offices to put a Lady Bird Deed in place.
We offer a streamlined process that allows many estate planning matters to be handled efficiently while still providing personalized legal guidance and clear communication.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my property after creating a Lady Bird Deed?
Yes. You retain full control of the property during your lifetime, including the ability to sell or refinance.
Can I change the beneficiary later?
Yes. One of the key benefits is flexibility — you can update beneficiaries if your situation changes.
Does this completely avoid probate?
It avoids probate for the property covered by the deed, but other assets may still require planning.
Is a Lady Bird Deed better than a trust?
It depends. In some cases, a Lady Bird Deed is a simple solution. In others, a trust may provide broader protection and control.
