Lady Bird Deeds
Andrew David Easler, Esq.
Published
Updated
Why Do They Call It a Lady Bird Deed?
From teaching examples. Florida attorney Jerome Ira Solkoff used a sample family named after President Lyndon B. Johnson's family. The Johnsons never used one.
A Lady Bird deed, also called an enhanced life estate deed, lets a property owner keep full control of real estate for life and name who receives it at death.
The name comes from teaching examples, not from a court case. Florida attorney Jerome Ira Solkoff is generally credited with popularizing the deed in the early 1980s. His elder law materials used a sample family named after President Lyndon B. Johnson's family, with "Lady Bird" as the grantor and the Johnson daughters as the beneficiaries. The nickname stuck.
The Johnsons never used this kind of deed themselves. President Johnson died in 1973, years before the name appeared.
The legal name in Florida is still "enhanced life estate deed." Florida treats it as a deed that can pass property at death without probate while the owner keeps the power to sell, mortgage, change, or revoke it. It does not reduce federal estate tax, because the property stays in the owner's taxable estate.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. No warranties on completeness, accuracy, or suitability. Always consult an attorney for personal guidance.
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