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Texas Lady Bird Deed Template

This Texas Lady Bird Deed is created in compliance with the relevant Texas property laws that govern the conveyance of real estate. This deed allows a property owner to transfer their property while retaining the right to use and control it during their lifetime.

In this document, the grantor retains the right to revoke the deed during their lifetime, ensuring flexibility and control over their property decisions.

Grantor: ____________________________ (Your full name)

Grantee: ____________________________ (Name of the beneficiary)

Property Description:

____________________ (Legal description of the property)

Address of Property:

____________________ (Physical address)

This deed is executed on this ____ day of ___________, 20__.

The undersigned Grantor, ____________________________ (Your full name), hereby conveys to the Grantee, ____________________________ (Name of the beneficiary), the property detailed above under the conditions stipulated below:

  • The Grantor retains a life estate in the property.
  • The Grantor has the right to sell, transfer, or mortgage the property during their lifetime.
  • Upon the death of the Grantor, the property shall automatically pass to the Grantee without the need for probate.

In witness whereof, the Grantor has executed this Lady Bird Deed on the day and year first above written.

Grantor’s Signature: ____________________________

Witness Signature: ____________________________

Printed Name of Witness: ____________________________

Notary Public:

State of Texas

County of ____________________

On this ____ day of ___________, 20__, before me, ____________________________ (Notary Public), personally appeared ____________________________ (Grantor's Name), known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to this instrument.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.

Notary Public Signature: ____________________________

My commission expires: ____________

Form Data

Fact Name Description
Definition A Lady Bird Deed is a type of enhanced life estate deed used in Texas.
Ownership It allows the property owner to retain control over the property during their lifetime.
Transfer on Death The property automatically transfers to designated beneficiaries upon the owner's death.
Avoiding Probate Using a Lady Bird Deed can help avoid the probate process for the property.
Tax Benefits It may provide certain tax advantages, such as maintaining the property’s tax basis.
Governing Law The Lady Bird Deed is governed by Texas Property Code, specifically Section 5.041.
Revocability The deed can be revoked or altered by the property owner at any time before death.
Requirements The deed must be signed, notarized, and recorded in the county where the property is located.
Limitations It cannot be used for all types of property, such as certain types of trusts or jointly owned properties.

Texas Lady Bird Deed - Usage Guidelines

Completing the Texas Lady Bird Deed form requires careful attention to detail. After filling out the form, it is essential to ensure that all necessary signatures are obtained and that the document is properly recorded with the county clerk. This process will help secure the intended estate planning goals.

  1. Obtain the Form: Start by downloading the Texas Lady Bird Deed form from a reliable source or visit a local legal office for a hard copy.
  2. Identify the Grantor: Fill in the name of the current property owner(s) in the designated section. This is the person or people transferring the property.
  3. List the Grantee: Enter the name of the person(s) who will receive the property. This is typically a family member or trusted individual.
  4. Describe the Property: Provide a detailed description of the property being transferred. Include the address and any relevant legal descriptions.
  5. Specify the Terms: Indicate any specific conditions or limitations regarding the property transfer. Ensure clarity to avoid future disputes.
  6. Sign the Document: The grantor(s) must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. This step is crucial for the document's validity.
  7. Notarization: Have the notary public complete the notarization section. This confirms the identities of the signers and the authenticity of the signatures.
  8. Record the Deed: Submit the completed and notarized deed to the county clerk’s office where the property is located. This step ensures that the deed is legally recognized.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Lady Bird Deed form, it's important to approach the task with care. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process effectively.

  • Do ensure that you understand the purpose of a Lady Bird Deed. It allows property owners to transfer their property while retaining certain rights.
  • Do include the full legal description of the property. This is crucial for the deed to be valid.
  • Do clearly identify the grantor and grantee. Use full names and any relevant titles.
  • Do consider consulting with a legal professional. They can provide valuable guidance tailored to your situation.
  • Don't leave any fields blank. Incomplete forms can lead to delays or rejections.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form. An unsigned deed is not legally binding.
  • Don't use informal language. Stick to formal terms to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of notarization. A notary public must witness the signing for the deed to be valid.

Common mistakes

  1. Not Including All Property Owners: One common mistake is failing to list all current owners of the property. If multiple people own the property, each owner must be included on the deed. Omitting someone can lead to legal complications later.

  2. Incorrect Legal Descriptions: The legal description of the property must be accurate and precise. Errors in this section can cause confusion and may invalidate the deed. It’s essential to double-check this information against the original property records.

  3. Missing Witness Signatures: Texas law requires that the Lady Bird Deed be signed in the presence of a witness. Some individuals forget this crucial step, which can render the deed unenforceable. Always have a witness present during the signing process.

  4. Not Recording the Deed: After completing the form, it’s vital to file the deed with the appropriate county office. Failing to record the deed can lead to issues with property rights and transfer in the future. Recording ensures that the deed is part of the public record.

  5. Ignoring Tax Implications: Some people overlook the potential tax consequences of transferring property via a Lady Bird Deed. Understanding how this transfer affects property taxes and estate taxes is crucial. Consulting a tax professional can provide clarity and help avoid unexpected costs.