A legal instrument in Michigan real estate, this arrangement allows an individual to transfer property ownership while retaining the right to reside on and use the property for their lifetime. Upon the death of the life tenant, ownership automatically transfers to a designated beneficiary, known as the remainderman. As an example, a parent might transfer their home to their child but reserve the right to live in the home for the rest of their life.
This estate planning tool provides a method to avoid probate, streamlining the transfer of property after death. It can also offer potential Medicaid planning benefits, as the property may be protected from Medicaid estate recovery after a certain period, depending on specific circumstances and applicable regulations. Understanding its implications within estate planning is of paramount importance.