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The Best Method for Real Estate Planning in Florida: Ladybird Deed

If you're planning your estate, you probably think writing a will is the best place to start. But here's the truth:

A will in Florida almost always means probate. Probate is expensive and it can drag on for months—sometimes years. Worst of all, anyone can challenge your will in probate court whether it's distant relatives, greedy family members, or people who think they deserve more. This is where families get torn apart.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process where a court oversees the distribution of a person's assets after they pass. It's how a will is validated and how debts and taxes are settled before property is passed on to heirs.

A Probate is:

  1. Court-Supervised: A judge makes sure the will is real and that assets go to the right people.
  2. Public Process: Probate records are public, meaning anyone can see what assets were owned and who inherits them.
  3. Time-Consuming: In Florida, probate can take 6 months or years.
  4. Costly: It involves court fees, legal fees, and other expenses that can reduce the inheritance.
  5. Can Be Challenged: Family members, creditors, or anyone who believes they deserve a share can contest the will.

If you want to protect your estate, avoid court, and make sure your family gets what you intended—a Ladybird Deed is the best solution in Florida.

What Is a Ladybird Deed in Florida?

A Ladybird Deed (officially called an Enhanced Life Estate Deed) is a special type of property deed that lets you:

  1. Transfer your home automatically after death
  2. Avoid probate completely
  3. Keep full control of your property while you're alive

With a Ladybird Deed:

  1. You can sell, refinance, or rent your home at any time.
  2. The property instantly transfers to your chosen beneficiary when you pass—no court, no delays, no probate.

This is one of the most powerful estate planning tools in Florida.

Why People Prefer a Ladybird Deed Over Writing a Will:

1. No Probate Court

Unlike a will, a Ladybird Deed bypasses the Florida probate system completely. Probate is a slow, expensive, and public process that you can avoid with the right deed.

2. Immediate Property Transfer

Your home automatically transfers to your chosen heir as soon as you pass away. There's no waiting. There's no court. There's no chance for disputes.

3. No Risk of Challenges

When you rely on a will, family members, creditors, and even distant relatives can contest your wishes. A Ladybird Deed in Florida can't be contested the way a will can.

4. You Stay in Control

You can:

  1. Sell the home
  2. Refinance the mortgage
  3. Change the beneficiaries
  4. Do whatever you want with your property while you're alive

Additional Benefits of a Ladybird Deed in Florida

  1. Avoid Medicaid Estate Recovery: Helps protect your home if you need long-term care.
  2. Protects Privacy: Unlike probate, Ladybird Deeds don't create a public record of your assets.
  3. Saves Time and Money: No court costs, no probate attorney fees, no long delays.

If you truly want to avoid probate in Florida, prevent family disputes, and protect your estate, the ladybird deed is the best estate planning tool available.

Don't leave your family stuck in probate court. Don't leave your home open to legal challenges. If you're planning your estate, the best way to do it is with a Ladybird deed.

Follow us on instagram for more information. @BorellLawOffices

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