Michigan Enhanced Life Estate Deed
Michigan Lady Bird Deed Preparation
Prepare a client-directed deed for one straightforward Michigan home from $350, while keeping lifetime control and naming who generally receives the property outside probate.
Quick answer
A Michigan Lady Bird Deed—also called an enhanced life estate deed—lets an owner name a future recipient while retaining broad control during life. When properly prepared, signed, and recorded, the property generally passes outside probate at death. It covers real estate only and is not suitable for every family or title situation.
Lady Bird Deed pricing and what is included
Nothing is purchased online. We review the matter first, confirm it fits our non-attorney service, send a written quote and invoice, and begin only after payment.
Client-Directed Preparation
$350
For one straightforward Michigan residential property.
- One straightforward Michigan residential property
- Up to two current owners and two adult beneficiaries
- Client- or attorney-supplied ownership instructions
- Legal description transcribed from the current recorded deed
- Attorney-approved Michigan standard template
- County formatting review and one reasonable correction round
- Signing and recording instructions, digital copies, and in-office notarization
Preparation & Recording Coordination
$475
Available in selected counties after review.
- Everything in the $350 service
- Current recorded-deed retrieval when readily available
- Complete recording packet
- Submission or mailing coordination in supported counties
- Tracking, recording confirmation, and returned recorded copy
- Clerical assessor paperwork from information you or your attorney supplies
Independent Attorney Review
$200–$250
Typical additional attorney fee; separate agreement required.
- Independent Michigan attorney review
- Legal questions and choices handled by the attorney
- Attorney fee paid under a separate agreement
- Not an in-house or Clear Path legal service
The county recording fee is generally $30 per document under MCL 600.2567. County certification, additional-instrument, or other applicable charges and any agreed mobile-notary travel fee are separate.
How a Michigan Lady Bird Deed works
Owner keeps lifetime control
The deed reserves an enhanced life estate. The owner generally keeps the power to sell, mortgage, or replace the deed during life.
Beneficiaries receive a future interest
Named adult beneficiaries generally receive the property at death if the deed remains valid and recorded.
One property, not a complete estate plan
The deed handles the Michigan real estate described in it. It does not control bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, or every probate issue.
Exact deed information matters
Names, ownership, legal description, signing, notarization, and recording must match Michigan and county requirements.
Lady Bird Deed compared with other options
| Option | What it generally does | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Bird Deed | Transfers the described Michigan real estate at death while the owner keeps broad lifetime control. | Real estate only; beneficiary and title complications may require an attorney. |
| Quitclaim Deed | Transfers the signer’s present interest without title promises. | Usually transfers ownership now and does not reserve the same enhanced control. |
| Will | States who should receive probate assets. | A will generally does not keep a solely owned home out of probate by itself. |
| Living Trust | Can coordinate real estate and other properly transferred assets. | More setup and ongoing funding; legal advice may be appropriate. |
Signing, recording, and what happens later
- 1We transcribe the legal description from the current recorded deed and prepare the deed from your instructions.
- 2Every current owner signs before a notary. Clear Path provides signing and county-format instructions.
- 3The deed is submitted to the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located.
- 4Applicable assessor paperwork is filed using owner-supplied information. Timing and forms depend on the transfer event.
- 5After the owner dies, the beneficiary usually records the documents the county and title professionals require to update the record.
Michigan tax, assessor, and Medicaid cautions
Property tax: Retaining a life estate generally does not cause immediate uncapping by itself. Treatment when the owner dies depends on the facts and available exemptions.
Principal residence exemption: An owner who continues to occupy the home may continue to qualify, but eligibility is fact-specific.
Transfer tax: Some no- or nominal-consideration deeds may qualify for statutory exemptions. Clear Path does not determine tax consequences.
Medicaid: Current Michigan recovery practice generally focuses on probate assets, but laws and policy can change. A deed is not a guarantee of eligibility or protection from liens or recovery.
For tax, Medicaid, benefits, title, or estate-planning advice, use a qualified Michigan attorney or tax professional.
Recording a Lady Bird Deed in your Michigan county
Every Michigan deed is recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property sits — not where the owner lives. Formatting and fee details differ slightly by county, which is why our $475 coordination service confirms county requirements before submission.
Where it records
The county Register of Deeds for the property's county — for example, St. Clair County property records in Port Huron, Macomb County in Mount Clemens, and Wayne County in Detroit.
What it costs
The state-set recording fee is generally $30 per document under MCL 600.2567. Some counties add certification or additional-instrument charges.
What else is filed
A Property Transfer Affidavit is generally filed with the local assessor after a transfer, and transfer-tax exemption forms may apply. We prepare clerical paperwork from information you or your attorney supplies.
Recording coordination is available in selected counties after review. See a county filing guide or find your county's offices.
Attorney review is required for complex matters
Clear Path will not make legal choices about beneficiaries, ownership, taxes, benefits, or title. We pause preparation and refer legal decisions for independent attorney review when the facts require it.
A minor, disabled person, or public-benefit recipient is a beneficiary
A trust is named, a beneficiary may die first, or special conditions are requested
The family is blended or heirs need buyout rights or restrictions
An owner is deceased, divorcing, or signing through a power of attorney
The property has liens, disputed title, questionable ownership, or an unusual deed history
The plan involves multiple properties, commercial property, Medicaid planning, or tax advice
Request a Lady Bird Deed review
Tell us the basics. We will confirm fit, county availability, final price, and next steps before invoicing.
Michigan Lady Bird Deed FAQs
Document preparation—not legal advice
Clear Path Document Services is not a law firm. We prepare documents from the information and choices you or your attorney provide. We do not select your beneficiaries, advise which deed or estate plan you should use, determine tax or Medicaid consequences, resolve title issues, or represent you. Independent attorney services require a separate agreement. Read the full disclaimer.
Related Michigan property-planning resources
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.