Done the ladybird deed, here the details.
 

Thanks to person that had post on this, I wasn’t aware of ladybird deed and we was thinking about doing something to keep property out of probate in case.

Ok done the Ladybird deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed, ELED) today figured it was better than nothing.

First have to go online find form (Far as I know only place to get it. I called county and they said go on line to get form) ladybird deed or ELED. Download load and print couple copies preferably on one page with notary information on back.

I would NOT fill out you’re personnel information online typing it in cause most cases you won’t be able to print it without fee, but that’s your choice. Hand printed copy just fine signed in blue ink.

To fill in the legal description of property you have to find that on your title along with parcel ID number fill it exactly as written on title.

Once that’s done go get it notarized (notary has no expire date as long as commission number current and has not expired). Course after it recorded it’s good to go. So don’t have rush getting to court house what ever county you live in. At least what said in Marion county?

In my case Marion country, which on corner of US 441 and 40 in down town Ocala. Can park in parking garage for free and county clerks office building right on corner of 441 and 40 on first floor. Not the main building where court held. Follow blue line to right once came out of parking garage on first floor.

If no one in line takes about 15 mins or so cost $22.50 if pay cash, CC will be fee attached which I didn’t ask how much cause I had cash.

For me ladybird prefect, I only have one son and not lot assets. If you are in similar situation this is easy and cheap way keep property out of probate.

Thanks for posting this information. I am considering doing the same thing because my house is my only property subject to probate.
However, I think I will get a quote from a title company before going the DIY route.

Let’s us know what find out?

We are ready to do a ladybird deed. Please let us know what you find out from title company.

Things this important involving this kind of money (home values) should be handled by an expert, preferably a local expert. I would suggest Pittman Law Office. Start with watching some of their free videos on their YouTube Chanel. All it costs you is time and some bandwidth. Be informed, be educated, be smart.

If you already understand and know that you want a labybird deed, I don't think you need an estate attorney. An experienced title company should be able to prepare and record the document for you. As I understand it, they have attorneys on staff and are well prepared to properly execute a new deed for your house. That is what they do every day.

Great job with the enhanced Lady Bird Deed. If you also add your son’s name as POD (Pay On Death) to your bank accounts, he only has to present a certified death certificate to the Bank & they have to release the account to him. A Transfer on Death Deed can be used on investments & stocks. Some states have DMV forms to claim inheritance of any vehicles (often called ‘Affidavit of Intestacy for a Motor Vehicle’). Check for unclaimed property in all states you lived (they usually want a Probate order if your heir is trying to claim a decedent’s amount due.) Also do a short Will naming your son as Executor and sole heir, as a safety net.

McLin Burnsed quoted me $600. DIY is legal and free.

22.50 what Marion county charged to file and certify. I don’t know what other counties charged?

Thanks, but already done that.

A trust is a better way to go. No probate. Speak with an attorney for information and clarification. You don't want problems for your family later on. Don't cheap out, this is way to important.

Why is a trust better? There is no probate with a ladybird deed either and it is way less expensive and less complicated than a trust.

In 2020, a lawyer in Sarasota did the following work for a client.

Preparation and execution of Lady Bird Deed for $250.

Preparation and execution of Last Will and Testament, Separate Writings, Living Will, Health Care Advanced Directive, Durable Power of Attorney, Preneed Guardian and instructions for the Living Will and Health Care Advanced Directive for $300.

Unfortunately, the client did not follow the instructions. So the doctors and the person in charge at the end of life were unaware of all of the important details.

The only thing known, was the Lady Bird Deed. Even the existence of the other documents was not known to the person who needed to know them. The law firm could not even disclose that the work was done to anyone but the client, even though the person with the responsibily was named in the will and all of the other documents! The only reason the law firm was known was the firm name was on the Lady Bird Deed, a public record. Also, the client did not set up the pay on death (dependency distribution instructions) for her bank account.

If you do the legal work yourself, you won't know whether you got it right, unless you get an attorney to check it for you.

Sometimes it is just not right to do it yourself.

Lady Bird Deed using Pittman Law Office
 

I talked with Pittman Law Office a couple of weeks ago. They do not recommend or do Lady Bird Deeds.

I agree. But, personally, I would hire a title company to prepare and record the ladybird deed. The $250 cost sounds reasonable, but the $600 cited in Post No. 8 sounds high to me. It seems to me that a title company would have more experience than an estate attorney at preparing and recording a new deed. Preparing deeds is what they do. But, if you have questions or need advice, an estate attorney may be required. My opinion.