Professional Property Deed Services - Warranty Deeds & Ladybird Deeds

A Warranty Deed provides immediate, complete transfer of property ownership with full warranties and guarantees. It's ideal for sales, gifts, or when you want to transfer ownership immediately. A Ladybird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) allows you to transfer property to beneficiaries while retaining complete control during your lifetime, including the right to sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries. The property transfers automatically upon death without probate.

Choose a Warranty Deed if you want to transfer property immediately and completely, such as for a sale or gift. Choose a Ladybird Deed if you want to avoid probate while maintaining complete control during your lifetime. Our attorneys will help you determine which option best fits your specific situation and goals during your consultation.

A Warranty Deed may affect property taxes since ownership transfers immediately. A Ladybird Deed typically does not affect your property taxes during your lifetime because you retain complete ownership and control. In Michigan, your property taxes should remain the same with a Ladybird Deed. We recommend consulting with your local tax assessor for specific concerns.

Both deed types can typically be used with mortgaged property, but there are important considerations. With a Warranty Deed, the mortgage may need to be addressed as part of the transfer. With a Ladybird Deed, since you retain complete ownership and control, most mortgages are not affected. However, we review your specific mortgage terms to ensure there are no issues, and some lenders may require notification.

Yes, one of the key benefits of a Ladybird Deed is that it can protect your property from Medicaid estate recovery. Since the property transfers automatically upon death and never becomes part of your probate estate, it's generally protected from Medicaid recovery claims. This makes it an excellent tool for long-term care planning.

With a Warranty Deed, once recorded, the transfer is generally permanent and cannot be easily undone. With a Ladybird Deed, you maintain complete flexibility - you can revoke it entirely, change beneficiaries, sell the property, or create a new deed at any time during your lifetime. You maintain complete control and can modify your plans as circumstances change.