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Michigan Estate Planning Attorney

Avoid Probate with a Lady Bird Deed

A Lady Bird Deed allows your home to pass to your loved ones outside of probate—while keeping full control during your lifetime. It's a powerful tool, and just one piece of a complete estate plan.

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Trusted by Over 450 Clients with a 4.9 Star Rating

Petty Ishak-Bernard

Highly recommend, fair cost for excellent estate plan. The firm set-up our Trusts and Will in 2018 with one of the attorneys at an affordable cost for a very comprehensive documents. Just had the 2nd follow up review (at no costs) with Mike Rutkowski who was very thorough and clear in addressing all our questions and concerns. The documents created initially was so robust that no legal updates needed yet so far since no changes in beneficiaries took place. "Normal" future family changes (additional kids and grand children) were predicted and covered that made maintaining the document is relatively easy and at no additional cost. Also been getting news letters that keep me educated of estate planning related topics. Thank you Mike for helping us protecting our family's future when we can no longer do it. Appreciate you.

Mark Evangelista

I have been using Mike for many years. As my Trust needs have changed he has helped me every step of the way. I really trust he knowledge on the estate planning work. His pricing has been fair and reasonable. Give him a try.

Simple, Powerful, and Probate-Free

What Is a Lady Bird Deed?

Also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, a Lady Bird Deed allows you to keep ownership and control of your home during your lifetime, while ensuring it transfers directly to a loved one upon your death—avoiding probate entirely.

Avoid Probate: Transfer your home directly to a loved one without going through probate court.
Retain Full Control: You can still sell, mortgage, or change the deed during your lifetime.
Medicaid-Friendly: Lady Bird Deeds are often used in Medicaid planning to preserve home ownership.
Cost-Effective & Simple: Compared to a trust, this is a straightforward, affordable solution for many families.

A pear cut in half with a glass of wine, cheese, and nuts.

Your Legacy Is More Than One Document

How a Lady Bird Deed Fits Into Your Estate Plan

A Lady Bird Deed is one important step in protecting your family—but it works best when paired with a full estate plan. At Rutkowski Law Firm, we ensure your home, finances, and healthcare decisions are all part of a clear, legally sound plan.

Last Will & Testament: Direct how your assets are distributed and name guardians for minor children.
Power of Attorney: Let someone you trust manage finances or healthcare decisions if you can’t.
Revocable Living Trust: Avoid probate for all assets—not just your home—while keeping flexibility and control.
Healthcare Directives: Ensure your wishes are followed for medical treatment and end-of-life care.

Our Process for Creating a Lady Bird Deed

We make it simple and stress-free. From consultation to signed deed, you’ll be guided by experienced Michigan attorneys who care.

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Step 1

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We’ll talk about your goals, your family, and if a Lady Bird Deed is a good fit.

Step 2

Step 2: Draft & Review

We prepare your customized deed and review it with you for accuracy and clarity.

Step 3

Step 3: Sign & Record

You sign the deed (often remotely), and we record it with the county to make it official.

Estate Planning Guide

Estate Planning is an essential process that will protect your assets and ensure you’re your estate is distributed according to your wishes after your death.

Many people make mistakes when creating their estate plan, which can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and costly legal battles for their loved ones. Below, our estate planning team put together the top 10 and most common mistakes we see in estate planning.

Screenshot of Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes

Common Questions About Lady Bird Deeds

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Guiding the Firm, Protecting Families

Whether you need a will, trust, asset protection plan or are in need of medicaid crisis planning, our team is here to help! We are dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Call us today to book your consultation.

Meet the Whole Team

Michael Rutkowski helping a Michigan family avoid probate.

Estate Planning for Michigan Families

Don't leave your family with a useless binder.

Most firms hand you a template and expect you to do the work. We provide a Done-For-You process that handles Trust Funding and Asset Protection.

We specialize in protecting your home from the 5-Year Medicaid Look-Back, ensuring your house stays in your family and out of the state's hands. Plan now so you never become a burden to those you love.

Call 248-792-9193 Schedule a Call Back

For a Call Back: Pick a time for a quick, 15-minute phone call with our intake team. They will gather your basic details and schedule your strategy session with our Customer Success Director. No tech degree or legal preparation required.