Life Estate

I am in Arizona and my mother wants to leave me her house in what her lawyer calls a life estate. He says that I don't have to sign any papers, only she does. Is this true?

Marie

Yes, She is giving you a gift of a life estate, which means you own the property while you are living. Someone else will own the property upon your death. Actually the life estate will last for the life of whoever she chooses. You will own a present interest and the other person will own a future interest (remainder or reversion).