The Michigan Lady Bird deed is a two-page document that transfers your Michigan real estate to your chosen beneficiaries at death without probate - if you fill it out correctly. Get the enhanced life estate language wrong and you've created a traditional life estate that DOES probate, may trigger property tax uncapping, and gives your remainder beneficiaries immediate say over your property. Get it right and you've saved your family $8,000-$25,000 in Michigan probate costs. This guide walks through every section of the Michigan Lady Bird deed template line by line, with copy-paste-ready language for each. Plain-English, 2026-current Michigan law, DIY-friendly.
The 30-Second Version
- Michigan Lady Bird deeds have 8 required sections: title, consideration/grant, legal description, enhanced life estate reservation, remainder beneficiaries, signature, notary acknowledgment, and preparer's statement.
- Sections 4 and 5 (enhanced life estate + remainder beneficiaries) are where DIY drafters make the most mistakes.
- After signing, you must record with the county register of deeds AND file a Property Transfer Affidavit (Form 2766) within 45 days.
- Related: Michigan Lady Bird Deed guide, recording guide, and 10 common mistakes.
Section 1: Title Block
The title identifies the document type. Michigan register of deeds indexes deeds by title, so use a specific one.
Format
ENHANCED LIFE ESTATE DEED
(LADY BIRD DEED)
MICHIGAN
Tips
- Both names ("Enhanced Life Estate Deed" and "Lady Bird Deed") are indexable
- Some Michigan counties index only by "Deed" - the enhanced life estate content matters more than the title
- Add "MICHIGAN" so future title searchers can distinguish from out-of-state Lady Bird deeds
Section 2: Consideration and Grant Clause
Michigan requires a stated consideration (even if nominal) and a grant clause identifying the parties.
Format
For consideration of the sum of ten and 00/100 DOLLARS ($10.00) and other valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, [FULL LEGAL NAME OF GRANTOR], a [SINGLE INDIVIDUAL / MARRIED PERSON / etc.], hereinafter referred to as "Grantor," CONVEYS AND WARRANTS to [FULL LEGAL NAME OF GRANTOR AGAIN], hereinafter referred to as "Grantee," the following described real property...
Tips
- Nominal consideration of $10 is standard; Michigan transfer tax exemptions apply (see below)
- Grantor and Grantee are BOTH the current owner - Lady Bird deeds work by conveying to yourself with reserved enhanced life estate, then to remainder beneficiaries at death
- Include marital status - Michigan MCL 566.108 requires spousal joinder for certain conveyances
- Use FULL LEGAL NAMES - not nicknames
Section 3: Legal Description
Copy the legal description EXACTLY from your most recent deed. Do not paraphrase.
Format
Real property situated in the [CITY / TOWNSHIP] of [CITY/TOWNSHIP NAME], County of [COUNTY], State of Michigan, and described as follows:
[COPY LEGAL DESCRIPTION EXACTLY FROM YOUR CURRENT DEED]
Tax Parcel ID: [PARCEL NUMBER FROM YOUR PROPERTY TAX STATEMENT]
Commonly known as: [STREET ADDRESS]
Tips
- Michigan legal descriptions typically use metes and bounds, subdivision lot references, or PLSS section descriptions
- Copy-paste from your existing deed's legal description word for word
- If you have multiple parcels, list each separately
- See our deed mistakes guide for what happens if you get this wrong
Section 4: Enhanced Life Estate Reservation
This is the section that MAKES the deed a Lady Bird deed. Miss this and you've created an ordinary life estate.
Format
Grantor reserves unto Grantor an enhanced life estate in the above-described real property, together with the full and complete power and authority during Grantor's lifetime to sell, convey, mortgage, lease, transfer, dispose of, encumber, or revoke this conveyance, in whole or in part, without the joinder, consent, or signature of the remainder beneficiaries named below, and without any accounting to them whatsoever.
This deed shall not create any present interest in the remainder beneficiaries until the death of Grantor, and any exercise of the reserved powers by Grantor shall extinguish the remainder beneficiaries' interest to the extent of such exercise.
Tips
- Each listed power ("sell, convey, mortgage, lease, transfer, dispose of, encumber, or revoke") matters - Michigan Land Title Standard 9.3 recognizes this type of reserved-power conveyance, as discussed in the Michigan Bar Journal
- "Without the joinder, consent, or signature of the remainder beneficiaries" is the critical DIY difference vs. a traditional life estate
- The second paragraph clarifies that no present interest passes to beneficiaries at signing (which is why Michigan property tax uncapping and gift tax don't apply)
Section 5: Remainder Beneficiaries
Identify who takes the property at your death.
Format
Upon the death of Grantor, subject to any exercise of Grantor's reserved powers during Grantor's lifetime, the remainder interest in the above-described real property shall vest in:
[FULL LEGAL NAME OF BENEFICIARY 1], of [CITY, STATE], as to an undivided [PERCENTAGE]% interest;
[FULL LEGAL NAME OF BENEFICIARY 2], of [CITY, STATE], as to an undivided [PERCENTAGE]% interest;
as tenants in common, per stirpes. If any remainder beneficiary predeceases Grantor, that beneficiary's share shall pass to their descendants, per stirpes; if none, then to the surviving remainder beneficiaries proportionally.
Tips
- Percentages must sum to 100%
- "Per stirpes" ensures a predeceased beneficiary's share goes to their children (not lapses)
- "Tenants in common" is the default for multiple beneficiaries - they own separate interests they can sell independently after your death
- For minor beneficiaries, use "as custodian for [minor] under Michigan UTMA" (see our minor child inheritance guide)
- For special-needs beneficiaries, consider naming a testamentary trust instead
Section 6: Grantor Signature and Acknowledgment
The grantor signs the deed in front of a notary. Michigan MCL 565.201 requires notarization.
Format
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed this deed on [DATE].
____________________________________
[FULL LEGAL NAME OF GRANTOR]
Grantor
Tips
- Sign in blue ink for maximum contrast in the recorded copy
- Both spouses must sign if property is jointly owned
- Do NOT sign until you're in front of a Michigan notary
- Michigan does NOT require witnesses to a deed - only notarization
Section 7: Notary Block
Michigan notaries use a standard acknowledgment form.
Format
STATE OF MICHIGAN
COUNTY OF [COUNTY]
On this ___ day of __________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally appeared [FULL LEGAL NAME OF GRANTOR], known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
____________________________________
Notary Public Signature
[Notary printed name]
Acting in [COUNTY] County, Michigan
My commission expires: [DATE]
Tips
- Michigan notaries at banks, credit unions, UPS Stores, and public libraries typically notarize deeds for $10-$25
- Some notaries decline if they don't recognize Lady Bird structure - just tell them "it's a deed with a life estate reservation" - the notary block itself is standard
- Bring valid government photo ID
Section 8: Preparer's Statement and Return Address
Michigan MCL 565.151 requires identification of who prepared the deed and where to return the recorded original.
Format
Drafted by:
[GRANTOR NAME], [GRANTOR ADDRESS]
Or: Attorney [NAME], [ADDRESS], [MI BAR NUMBER]
When recorded, return to:
[GRANTOR NAME]
[GRANTOR ADDRESS]
Tips
- DIY drafters can list themselves as preparer under Michigan MCL 565.151
- If you use an attorney-drafted template (like CreateMIWill), you can list yourself as preparer since the attorney drafted the template, not the specific deed instance
- The return address determines who receives the recorded original
Full Template - Copy-Paste-Ready
Below is a complete Michigan Lady Bird deed template combining all 8 sections. Fill in the bracketed values with your specifics.
ENHANCED LIFE ESTATE DEED (LADY BIRD DEED) MICHIGAN For consideration of the sum of ten and 00/100 DOLLARS ($10.00) and other valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, [GRANTOR FULL NAME], a [MARITAL STATUS], of [ADDRESS], hereinafter "Grantor," CONVEYS AND WARRANTS to [GRANTOR FULL NAME AGAIN], hereinafter "Grantee," the following described real property situated in the [CITY/TOWNSHIP] of [NAME], County of [COUNTY], State of Michigan: [EXACT LEGAL DESCRIPTION FROM CURRENT DEED] Tax Parcel ID: [PARCEL NUMBER] Commonly known as: [STREET ADDRESS] Grantor reserves an enhanced life estate with full and complete power and authority during Grantor's lifetime to sell, convey, mortgage, lease, transfer, dispose of, encumber, or revoke this conveyance, in whole or in part, without the joinder, consent, or signature of the remainder beneficiaries, and without any accounting to them. This deed shall not create any present interest in the remainder beneficiaries until the death of Grantor. Any exercise of the reserved powers by Grantor shall extinguish the remainder beneficiaries' interest to the extent of such exercise. Upon the death of Grantor, subject to any exercise of Grantor's reserved powers, the remainder interest in the above-described real property shall vest in: [BENEFICIARY 1 FULL NAME], of [CITY, STATE], as to [PERCENTAGE]% undivided interest; [BENEFICIARY 2 FULL NAME], of [CITY, STATE], as to [PERCENTAGE]% undivided interest; as tenants in common, per stirpes. If any remainder beneficiary predeceases Grantor, that beneficiary's share shall pass to their descendants per stirpes; if none, to the surviving remainder beneficiaries proportionally. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed this deed on [DATE]. _____________________________________ [GRANTOR FULL NAME], Grantor STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF [COUNTY] On this ___ day of ______, 20___, before me, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally appeared [GRANTOR FULL NAME], known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained. _____________________________________ Notary Public Signature Acting in [COUNTY] County, Michigan My commission expires: [DATE] Drafted by: [GRANTOR NAME], [ADDRESS] When recorded, return to: [GRANTOR NAME], [ADDRESS]
After Signing: Recording + Property Transfer Affidavit
Two mandatory steps after signing:
Step 1: Record at County Register of Deeds
- Fee: approximately $30 in most Michigan counties
- Bring the ORIGINAL signed and notarized deed
- Some counties accept mail-in recording
- See our county-by-county recording guide
Step 2: File Property Transfer Affidavit
- Michigan Form 2766 (Property Transfer Affidavit)
- Required within 45 days of the transfer
- File with your LOCAL assessor's office (city/township, not county)
- Check the "transfer to family member" exemption box to avoid property tax uncapping
- Late filing can trigger a penalty from your local assessor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out a Michigan Lady Bird deed template myself?
Yes - Michigan does not require attorney preparation. Michigan MCL 565.151 allows the property owner to draft the deed. However, using an attorney-drafted TEMPLATE that you fill in gives you the best of both worlds - attorney-quality language + DIY execution.
Do I need to type or handwrite the deed?
Type is strongly preferred and most Michigan counties expect typed deeds. Handwritten deeds are legally acceptable if legible, but may be rejected by the register of deeds if unclear.
How long does a Michigan Lady Bird deed need to be?
A properly drafted Michigan Lady Bird deed is typically 2-3 pages when properly formatted. Anything shorter usually is missing the enhanced life estate reservation.
Can I revoke a Michigan Lady Bird deed?
Yes - that's a defining feature. Execute a new deed removing the enhanced life estate structure, or execute a new Lady Bird deed with different remainder beneficiaries. Record the new deed. The most recent recorded deed controls.
Does the Michigan Lady Bird deed require witness signatures in addition to notarization?
No - Michigan deeds require only notarization, not witnesses (unlike Michigan wills which require both witnesses and can be self-proved).
Can I use one Lady Bird deed for multiple Michigan properties?
Yes if all properties are being transferred to the same remainder beneficiaries. List each parcel with its own legal description and tax ID. Record once with the appropriate county register of deeds (or once per county if properties are in different counties).
Do Michigan county register of deeds offices reject Lady Bird deeds?
No - they accept any recordable deed under MCL 565.201. However, they may not know what a Lady Bird deed is by name; call it an "enhanced life estate deed" if asked.
What if my spouse doesn't want to be on the Lady Bird deed?
Michigan homestead law (MCL 566.108) requires spouse joinder for principal residence transfers. Both spouses must sign or the deed is void. Your options: (a) get both signatures, (b) transfer the property to your name alone first (requires spouse's consent), then Lady Bird deed, or (c) use a different tool (revocable trust).
Where can I find a Michigan Lady Bird deed template already filled in?
The CreateMIWill Trust Kit ($197) and Complete Bundle ($349) include a Michigan attorney-drafted Lady Bird deed template designed to be filled in with your specific information. Also includes signing/recording instructions.
How much does a Michigan attorney charge for a Lady Bird deed?
Michigan attorneys typically charge $200-$800 for a single Lady Bird deed. DIY with an attorney-drafted template runs $89-$349 for the template plus $30 recording fee.
Michigan Attorney-Drafted Lady Bird Deed Template
The CreateMIWill Trust Kit ($197) and Complete Bundle ($349) both include a Michigan attorney-drafted Lady Bird deed template - fill in the bracketed values with your information, sign in front of a Michigan notary, record with your county, and file the Property Transfer Affidavit. All the language above is already drafted and reviewed for Michigan MCL compliance.
Ready-to-Fill Michigan Lady Bird Deed Template
Attorney-drafted Michigan Lady Bird deed template with MCL-compliant enhanced life estate language, per stirpes provisions, Property Transfer Affidavit walkthrough, and county-by-county recording instructions. All 8 sections pre-drafted; just fill in your specifics.