

While it’s technically possible to prepare a quitclaim deed yourself, given the legal and financial implications, it’s generally recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure the process is handled accurately and efficiently. The professional preparing the deed will ensure that it includes all necessary information, meets state-specific requirements, and accurately represents the intentions of the parties involved. In divorce cases, a quitclaim deed is typically prepared by an attorney, a title company, or a real estate professional.Īlthough the deed itself may seem straightforward, it’s crucial to have it drafted correctly to avoid potential legal complications down the line. This is what sets quitclaim deeds apart from other types of property deeds, which often come with guarantees about the condition of the property or the validity of the title.īut despite its simplicity, the quitclaim deed holds considerable power in the right situations, like transferring property in a divorce. You’re giving them the key (your ownership stake) without making any promises about whether the house (the property) is in good condition, or even whether you have the right to pass the key along in the first place. It’s a bit like giving someone a key to a house. It merely transfers any interest that you might have. When you sign a quitclaim deed, you’re essentially saying, “I’m transferring any ownership interest I may have in this property to you.”īut here’s the thing: it doesn’t guarantee that you own any interest in the property at all. In the world of quitclaim deeds, there’s an element of trust involved. Imagine it as a kind of written agreement, a ‘promise’ if you will, that deals solely with your ownership stake in a piece of property. While it doesn’t guarantee that the grantor holds valid ownership, it does have the power to transfer whatever ownership rights the grantor does possess, making it a commonly used tool in situations involving transfers between family members or during a divorce. It effectively means the grantor is relinquishing, or “quitting,” any rights, interests, or claims they have to the property, hence the term ‘quitclaim’. What is a quitclaim deed?Ī quitclaim deed in California is a legal document used to transfer the grantor’s (the person transferring the property) interest in a piece of property to the grantee (the recipient), without any warranties or guarantees of the title’s quality. Timing this decision correctly, with the guidance of expert legal advice, can make a substantial difference, turning a complex and potentially fraught process into a smoother and more manageable journey towards your new life chapter. It can impact the nature of your ongoing relationship with your ex-spouse and might even sway the balance in your favor when negotiating other aspects of your divorce settlement. Whether you sign this pivotal document before or after your divorce is finalized can set the course for your financial voyage ahead. The “when” of signing a quitclaim deed can have sweeping implications, influencing everything from your financial obligations to your tax liabilities, and even your property rights. Timing, they say, is everything, and this adage couldn’t ring truer than when considering the signing of a quitclaim deed in the context of divorce. That’s where the concept of a quitclaim deed comes into play. In the turbulence of divorce, the question of who gets the house can feel overwhelming. One of the most significant pieces of that puzzle is deciding what to do with your shared property. A typical fee for deed preparation in NC is $150, give or take a few.The end of a marriage is an intricate dance of decisions and changes. A real estate attorney will understand what is needed and will be worth the money. Many attorneys and title insurance companies will object to a deed with only an address identifying the property. The non-owning spouse's signature in the deed constitutes a release of those rights.) and (2) an incorrect or incomplete legal description. Two of the most frequent errors that I see are: (1) the failure to have the grantor's spouse sign the deed as well even if that spouse is not an owner of the property (Note: NC gives a spouse marital rights in the property owned by the other spouse, which must be waived to pass clear title to the grantee. The register only checks for certain formalities (e.g., revenue stamps and notary acknowledgment). Many times people think that by the register of deeds simply recording the deed that the deed is legally sufficient. I agree with the others and want to emphasize the importance of getting a legally sufficient deed.
