Free Michigan Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate) – Template

How to Record in Michigan

Where to file: With your County Register of Deeds office.

Signing: Must be in blue or black ink and signed in front of a notary public.

Page margins:

• First page: 2.5 inches from the top.
• Other pages: 0.5 inches on all sides.

Information You’ll Need in the Deed

• Preparer’s name and address – the person or business who prepared the deed.
• Grantor (current owner) name – also printed beneath the signature.
• Grantee beneficiary’s name and address – the person who will receive the property upon your death.
• Property details – legal description, street address, and parcel/tax ID.

Benefits of a Michigan Lady Bird Deed

• Keep control during your lifetime – You can sell, rent, or mortgage the property without the beneficiary’s permission.
• Changeable – You can amend or revoke the deed at any time while you’re alive.
• Avoids probate – Property transfers directly to the named beneficiary when you pass away.
• Homestead protection – A qualifying residence can keep its protected status.
• Medicaid-friendly – Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services recognizes lady bird deeds as a way to pass property to heirs without it being taken for Medicaid estate recovery.
• Estate creditor protection – The property transfer generally avoids probate creditors, but existing liens or mortgages still stay with the property and become the beneficiary’s responsibility.

Disclaimer: This template is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Recording requirements can vary by county. For advice on your specific situation, consult with a qualified Michigan estate planning attorney.

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