An enhanced life estate deed—commonly called a Lady Bird deed—allows property owners to name a beneficiary who will receive real estate at the owner's death, without the property passing through probate. The owner retains a life estate with full control during their lifetime, including the power to sell, mortgage, or convey the property without the beneficiary's consent.

How It Works
The grantor conveys a life estate to themselves while designating a remainder beneficiary. Unlike a traditional life estate deed, the "enhanced" version includes a reserved power of appointment, meaning the owner can change the beneficiary, revoke the deed entirely, or transfer the property at any time—no permission from the beneficiary required.

Key Features
The deed is designed to preserve homestead status (if claimed) along with associated property tax exemptions and protections during the owner's lifetime. Because the transfer does not take effect until death and the owner retains full control, no gift occurs for federal gift tax purposes at the time of recording.

Lady Bird Deed vs. Transfer on Death Deed
Texas recognizes both Lady Bird deeds and statutory transfer on death deeds (TODDs). Both accomplish similar goals, but they operate differently. A TODD is governed by statute (Texas Estates Code Chapter 114) and follows specific execution and recording requirements. A Lady Bird deed is a common-law instrument with a longer history of use. The right choice depends on the owner's circumstances; for complex situations, consult a local attorney.
(Texas Enhanced Life Estate Deed Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Enhanced Life Estate Deed

Provide for a loved one without giving up current ownership
Name your children as beneficiaries of your real estate
Designate multiple beneficiaries for a property
Simplify property transfer for your family after your passing
Update beneficiary designations after a life change
Transfer property automatically at death without probate
Designate a spouse as the beneficiary of your property

Compare other Texas deed forms and documents

General Warranty Deed (Individual Grantor) General Warranty Deed (Joint Grantors) General Warranty Deed with Vendor Lien (Individual Grantor) General Warranty Deed with Vendors Lien (Third-Party Lender) Deed Without Warranty Gift Deed Without Warranty Gift Deed Special Warranty Special Warranty Deed (Individual Grantor) Special Warranty Deed (Joint Grantors) Grant Deed (Individual Grantor) Grant Deed (Joint Grantors) Quitclaim Deed Correction Deed Transfer on Death Deed (Individual) Transfer on Death Deed (Joint Owners with Right of Survivorship) Transfer on Death Deed (Community Property with Right of Survivorship) Community Property Survivorship Agreement Revocation of Community Property Survivorship Agreement Revocation of Transfer on Death Deed (Individual) Revocation of Transfer on Death Deed (Joint Owners) Affidavit of Death (Transfer on Death Deed Beneficiary) Easement Deed Termination of Easement Executor Deed Administrator Deed Affidavit of Heirship Trustee Deed Certificate of Trust Disclaimer of Interest Mineral Deed Mineral Quitclaim Deed Specific Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property Specific Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Statutory Durable Power of Attorney Demand for Payment Notice of Contractual Retainage Notice of Specially Manufactured Materials Preliminary Notice to Original Contractor Preliminary Notice to Owner and Original Contractor Affidavit of Lien Request for Information from Owner Request for Information from Subcontractor Request for Information from Original Contractor Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment Conditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment Unconditional Waiver on Progress Payment Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment Release of Lien Contract for Deed Memorandum of Contract Deed of Trust and Promissory Note Release of Lien - by Deed of Trust and Note Appointment of Substitute Trustee for Deed of Trust Assignment of Deed of Trust Collateral Assignment of Note and Liens (Security Agreement) Release of Collateral Transfer of Note and Lien Collateral Assignment of Leases, Rents and Rights Release of Collateral Assignment of Leases and Rents Lis Pendens Lis Pendens Release

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our enhanced life estate deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in Texas.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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