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Lady Bird deeds and living trusts are two popular estate planning options available to Florida homeowners. While both can allow real estate assets to bypass the lengthy court process of probate, they each have distinct benefits and limitations. Understanding the difference between a Lady Bird deed vs. living trust in Florida can help you choose the right solution for you.
Rely on the Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A.
The Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A., provides Floridians with high-quality, personalized estate planning solutions. Mr. Oberdorfer brings more than 20 years of experience in estate planning law to each case. When you choose our firm, you’ll be working with a trusted legal team that will take the time to help you make informed decisions about your future.
Living Trust vs Lady Bird Deeds
Both living trusts and Lady Bird deeds can help your beneficiaries access your real estate assets without going through probate court. However, they differ in important ways.
A Lady Bird deed is used to transfer real estate to a named beneficiary upon the owner’s death while allowing that owner to retain control of the property throughout their lifetime. In Florida, where the median home price was $423,900 in June 2026, real estate can be a major part of residents’ financial legacies.
By contrast, a living trust is a more comprehensive planning tool. It can be used to manage ownership not only of real estate, but of other asset types as well, including financial accounts, investments, and business interests. A trust can also help you determine what happens to your estate should you become incapacitated, which is a contingency that a Lady Bird deed cannot cover.
Which Florida Estate Planning Option Is Right for Me?
Whether a Lady Bird deed or a living trust is right for your estate planning purposes depends on your goals.
A Lady Bird deed’s main advantage over a living trust is its simplicity. Lady Bird deeds are one-and-done documents that are often cheaper to establish than trusts. However, their limited scope and the inability to amend them after signing may not be sufficient for many estate plans.
A living trust, meanwhile, can provide more comprehensive asset protection and can help you plan for incapacity. They are also often more flexible than Lady Bird deeds, as they can be amended, and they can offer more wiggle room for resolving potential disputes between beneficiaries.
Many Floridians benefit from both tools. An estate planning attorney can help you decide which option is right for you.
Why You Should Hire a Trust Lawyer in Florida?
People often do not take adequate steps to shield their estates from probate court. There were 67,808 probate court filings in Florida circuit courts in 2024-25, with each case potentially representing months or years of delays in administering the estate.
A trust lawyer can help you preserve your legacy according to your wishes and with fewer headaches for your beneficiaries. Whether you have questions about Lady Bird deed laws, a living trust case, or another matter, you should turn to a trust lawyer for assistance with protecting your assets and avoiding common estate law pitfalls.
Start Protecting Your Legacy Today
To hire a trust lawyer with a strong understanding of Florida trust laws, look no further than the Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A. Reach out to our Jacksonville office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the benefits of a trust versus a Lady Bird deed.
