Should you leave your home to your partner in your will or by adding her name to the deed?

Steve: I'm 72, my girlfriend's 70. We've been together now living for 13 years. House is paid for. In my will, everything goes to her.

Attorney Tom Olsen: Got it.

Steve: Is it better to leave it that way, or should I also add her to the deed on the house?

Tom: Steve, there is a substantial difference between those two things and the differences are this. That if you leave it to her through your will and a year from now, you change your mind, you can change your will, versus if you add her name to the deed, once you do that, it is written in stone. You cannot change your mind at a later date.

Steve, if everything is good with you guys, everything is golden right now with you guys, I'm going to recommend that you don't add her name to the deed. Steve, if she is saying, “Steve, Steve, I love you so much. We're going to be together forever, and ever. I want to have my name on a deed to our house,” and that's going to give you a great feel-good factor, then yes, you can consider doing that.

Steve: She really doesn't care one way or the other, and neither of us are going anywhere. I'm just thinking about how easier it would be for her if I did go first.

Tom: Okay, well then let's talk about this, Steve. Let's leave the home in your name only, but let's make it easy for her when you pass away by doing a lady bird deed. Olsen Law Group can do a lady bird deed for you, Steve. That deed would state that as long as Steve is alive, it is his home to do with as he pleases but upon his death, it automatically goes to girlfriend, no headaches, no hassle, no probate. There's a solution for you, Steve. It is the best of both worlds. It makes it easier for her, and you get to maintain complete control over this piece of property during your lifetime.

Steve: Okay, so what's your phone number, because I'm going to call you?

Tom: Steve, our phone number is (407) 423-5561. We're the Olson Law Group in Orlando, Steve. We look forward to being of service to you.

Steve: Okay.

Tom: All righty.

Steve: Thank you so much, sir. I enjoy the show.

Tom: Thank you, Steve. We appreciate it.

[00:02:06] [END OF AUDIO]