A quick claim deed, also known as a quitclaim deed, is a legal document used to transfer property ownership from one person to another. Filing a quick claim deed can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps involved and to have all the necessary documents in order. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to file a quick claim deed.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents Before You File a Quick Claim Deed
You’ll need to gather the following documents:
- The original quick claim deed, properly filled out and signed by all parties involved
- A copy of the current property deed
- A copy of the property’s legal description
- Any other documents required by your local government or the county recorder’s office
Step 2: Notarize the Quick Claim Deed
All signatures on the quick claim deed must be notarized. This includes the signatures of both the grantor (the person transferring the property) and the grantee (the person receiving the property).
Step 3: Submit the Quick Claim Deed to the County Recorder’s Office
The next step is to submit the quick claim deed, along with all necessary documents, to the county recorder’s office. It’s important to submit the documents to the correct office, as the location of the property will determine where the documents should be filed.
Step 4: Pay the Recording Fee
The county recorder’s office will charge a recording fee to process the quick claim deed. This fee varies depending on the state and the county, so you’ll need to check with your local government for the specific fee amount.
Step 5: Wait for the Quick Claim Deed to be Recorded
Once the quick claim deed is submitted and the recording fee is paid, the county recorder’s office will process the documents. This process can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the state and the county.
Step 6: Obtain a Copy of the Recorded Quick Claim Deed
After the quick claim deed is recorded, the county recorder’s office will provide a copy of the recorded document. It’s important to keep a copy of the recorded quick claim deed for your records.
Other Points to Note
It’s important to note that a quick claim deed is not the same as a warranty deed, which provides a guarantee of clear title and is used in most real estate transactions. A quick claim deed does not provide any guarantee of clear title, and the grantor is not liable for any defects in the title. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer before filing a quick claim deed, especially if there are any doubts about the ownership of the property or any potential issues with the title.
Filing a quick claim deed can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps involved and to have all the necessary documents in order. By gathering the necessary documents, notarizing the quick claim deed, submitting it to the correct county recorder’s office, paying the recording fee, waiting for the quick claim deed to be recorded, and obtaining a copy of the recorded quick claim deed, you can successfully transfer the ownership of a property.
It’s essential to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your state before making any decisions, as laws and regulations may vary depending on the jurisdiction. You can consult some of our top attorneys at Protect Wealth Academy to guide you in taking the right steps, so you can ensure a smooth process for transferring ownership of a property with a quick claim deed.
