Many people wish to avoid probate.  Sometimes, however, adding children or grandchildren to a property creates unexpected problems -- once listed as a joint owner, the creditors of a child or grandchild could later force a sale even against the original owner's wishes.  A Life Estate Deed offers greater protection and can combine the best of two worlds - if worded properly it can allow another person to be named on the deed and get property automatically after the original owner's death (avoiding probate) WHILE allowing an original owner to keep full, unfettered control during their lifetime.