Done Correctly Under Vermont Law
Clients often contact me because they need to:
Add a name to a Vermont deed
Remove a name from a deed
Update ownership after a life change
While these requests may sound simple, Vermont deed changes frequently go wrong when handled casually.
Common Reasons for Deed Changes
I regularly assist clients with:
Adding an adult child to title
Adding a spouse to title
Removing an ex-spouse from title as part of a divorce settlement
Estate planning transfers
Creating joint ownership with survivorship
Preparing statutory enhanced life estate deeds (“Ladybird deeds”)
Each situation requires different legal language and ownership structure.
Understanding Vermont Ownership Options
Depending on your goals, ownership may be structured as:
Tenants By the Entirety - for the married only. This ensures the right of survivorship and homestead rights.
Joint Tenants With Right of Survivorship (JTWROS) – survivorship rights for unmarried title holders.
Tenants in Common – ensures each ownership interest passes to the separate estates.
Life Estate with retained powers – an Vermont statutory enhanced life estate deed gives you full present-ownership rights over your property (including the rights to sell, mortgage, convey, etc.), yet ensures that upon your death, your property automatically transfers to whoever is named, without the need for probate court.
Choosing the wrong structure can lead to unintended inheritance, tax, or control issues.
Why Vermont Deeds Are Often Drafted Incorrectly
Many deed errors occur because:
Prior deeds are not reviewed
Survivorship language is misunderstood
Estate planning goals are assumed, not confirmed
A deed that does not reflect the full ownership history can be ineffective—or legally invalid.
My Title-First Approach
Before drafting any deed, I perform a limited title search to confirm:
Exactly how the property is currently owned
What legal language is required to change it properly
Many Vermont attorneys skip this step, to your peril. As a result, deeds are frequently drafted incorrectly.
Performing this step ensures the new deed fits cleanly into the property’s recorded history for a clean, legally effective title.
When a “Simple” Deed Is Not Simple
Adding or removing a name can affect:
Estate distribution
Creditor exposure
Medicaid planning
Capital gains considerations
My role is to make sure the legal consequences align with your intentions.
Get the Deed Right the First Time
If you need to change ownership of Vermont property, I can help ensure the deed is drafted correctly, recorded properly, and accomplishes what you actually intend.