Transfer on Death Deeds

Seven states have special provisions dealing with transfer on death deeds, also called beneficiary deeds (Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, and Ohio).  This technique operates similar to a pay on death bank account, that is, the beneficiary named on the deed has no interest until the owner dies.  Like the depositor, the owner of the land may change the beneficiary designation at any time and for any (or no) reason.

In Beneficiary Deeds and Estate Planning, Michael A. Kirtland & Catherine Anne Seal, Ala. Law., Mar. 2005, at 118, make forceful and convincing arguments that Alabama adopt this technique.