What Is a Quit Claim Deed Form?
Quit claim deed forms are specialized legal documents through which you can transfer your share of real estate to another person or change the title. By filling out and signing this type of paper, you waive claims to the described object. An alternative name for such forms is “non-warranty deeds” because the existence of a document does not mean that the person who issued it actually had rights to the property in question.
That is why they are usually used to formalize relationships between close people who trust each other. This format greatly simplifies the process of transferring or exchanging property, but it is regulated differently in diverse states.
When to Use Quit Claim Deed
Despite the seemingly narrow focus, free quit claim deed forms may be used in various situations. Here is a complete list of such cases.
Transfer of property to a family member
It is the most common case when a quit claim deed is used. You can transfer what you own to any family member by waiving your right to it. Typically, this format is used when parents decide to gift their children real estate. A trusting relationship between the grantor and the grantee makes it possible to avoid using other complex documents and arranging checks.
Add/remove a spouse
There are times when you need to add or remove a spouse from a property’s title. In this case, after marriage or divorce, you need to fill out a quit claim deed. It is especially important in states where there are so-called homestead rights; that is, when selling property, you need your spouse’s consent. The same method can be used to add or remove the names of any other individuals.
Change of an owner
If the property is owned by a company, LLC, or other business forms, a change of ownership in the title is common. To avoid the hassle of transferring ownership documents, you can use the free printable quit claim deed forms to change the name of the entity that shows in the title.
Transfer of ownership in a living trust
If you choose to pre-dispose of your assets, you can specify the directions where they should go after your death. You should appoint beneficiaries and trustees who will dispose of the property following your instructions. Do not confuse this process with making a will since the latter is somewhat more complicated from a legal point of view.
Correction of errors in the title
Unlike many legal forms, quit claim deed variations can also be used simply to correct errors and defects that were made when writing the title. You can fix typos, spelling errors, and factual mistakes that create ambiguity. In the latter case, providing other documents confirming your unambiguous ownership of the property is essential. Despite it, a quit claim deed is much easier than any other legal proceedings regarding rights.
As you can see, the main task of this type of form is to simplify the solution of complex legal issues. In many situations, they can legally replace many other documents.
Where to Get Quit Claim Deed Forms
We have collected downloadable quit claim deed forms from different states in one directory so that you do not waste time looking for the right templates. Moreover, you can not only download the appropriate file but also fill it out right on the spot. Explore our collection, select the option that suits you, and click on it to read our instructions and start filling it out. Keep in mind that the specifics of using this document format may vary by state, so find out the details before entering information. You can contact your local recording office for official clarification.
How to Fill Out Quit Claim Deed PDF Forms
A quit claim deed is a fairly simple document. Depending on your state, the nuances of the form, and the process of registering a new owner, it might slightly differ. However, in general, your steps in filling out the quit claim deed will be as follows:
- Enter general information about this transaction: date, names of participants, and addresses and contact details of the grantor and grantee.
- Specify the transaction price. In the quit claim deed PDF forms, it is called “consideration.” In some states, you are required to state the value, even if you donate property, without asking for payment. In such situations, you can simply enter a nominal amount, for instance, $10.
- Give up ownership. Usually, such a disclaimer is pre-written in the template, so you just need to read what exactly it implies. From the law point of view, it is considered that you transfer the rights to real estate in exchange for the amount indicated above.
- Give a detailed description of the property. Usually, it includes not only the exact address and description from tax records but also the so-called legal land description with lots and blocks or metes and bounds.
- Enter the data of witnesses. In this case, witnesses are needed to confirm that the transfer of ownership is legal and voluntary. Include the names and contact details of two uninterested people present at the transaction’s time.
- Notarize the document. The legislation of almost all states requires the paper to be filled out and signed in the presence of a notary and certified by them. Only in this case, the contract will be considered valid.
Remember that transferring ownership only means transferring your share to another person. If you are paying off the mortgage at the time of this transaction, you will still be responsible for it.
How to File Quit Claim Deed Forms
Before completing and submitting the form, you should make sure that you really want to transfer ownership to another person. The fact is that from a legal point of view, you cannot nullify this document and refuse your application. The only possible option is to draw up a quit claim deed on behalf of the new owner. However, there is a chance that they will not want to do it, so think carefully about this question. Consulting with an attorney who deals with such matters is never superfluous, especially if you transfer property for a fee. Specialists will ensure that all negotiations are carried out in accordance with the state’s laws.
If your decision is final, here’s what you need to do to file this form:
- Enter all required information about the grantor, the grantee, the property, and the witnesses. Follow our instructions above. Before filling it out, check local legal requirements to ensure that the data is presented in the correct form. Usually, other documents, such as the purchase of the property in question, are not required.
- All participants in the process must sign the document in the presence of a notary who certifies it with their seal upon completion. You can ask for help from any notary at, for example, a county recording office or bank (even if you are not a client).
- The finished paper needs to be registered with the local recording office. This step is mandatory so that other services and organizations are aware of the change of ownership. It is crucial, for example, if the new owner decides to get a mortgage on this property.
Addresses for submitting completed forms vary by state. You can find the complete list of addresses in the table below.
Quit Claim Deed vs. Warranty Deed
You can guess the difference between these two kinds of deeds by their names.
Quit Claim Deeds
The fact is that quit claim deeds do not guarantee that the grantor really has ownership of the property they intend to transfer to another person. This type of paperwork requires a minimum amount of information, which is why the grantee does not have sufficient protection as a buyer. It’s the reason why such forms are usually used in close family relationships for the transfer or exchange of property.
Pros
- Easy to fill out;
- Do not require supporting documents;
- Consideration price can be symbolic.
Cons
- Do not guarantee the grantor’s ownership rights;
- Provide no insurance.
Warranty Deeds
On the contrary, warranty deeds are not easy to draw up and require documents from the owner confirming their right to own real estate. Such forms are used in transactions for property sales, as they are more reliable. They can include guarantees of ownership, insurance, papers protecting the buyer’s rights, etc.
Pros
- Confirm the grantor’s ownership;
- Protect the owner from all defects;
- Provide insurance.
Cons
- Complex to fill out;
- Require additional paperwork.
Where to File Quit Claim Deed
When you fill out the document in accordance with the law requirements of your state and notarize it, you should register it with the recording office. Find the address for your state and county in the table below and send your papers there:
