Make it Legal: Quitclaim Deed
From LawDepot Law Library
NOTE: The following information applies to the United States only. Currently, LawDepot does not offer a Quitclaim Deed for Canada, the UK, or Australia.
Does my quitclaim deed need to be witnessed or notarized?
Yes, after the Grantor signs the deed, he or she must get it notarized (signed and stamped by a notary public) to verify that the Grantor’s signature is authentic before it can be filled with the County Clerk’s Office.
Some states also require the witnesses sign quitclaim deeds, in addition to a notary public, in order for them to be valid. These states are listed below:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Vermont
It should also be noted that, in some states, specific counties require that deeds be witnessed. You should check with your local county recorder’s office to determine if witnesses are required.
Does the Grantee need to sign the quitclaim deed?
Generally speaking, the Grantee does not need to sign a quitclaim deed. However, some counties do require that the deed by signed by both the Grantor and the Grantee.
Does my quitclaim deed need to be filed with the land records office?
Yes, after the Grantor and a notary public have signed the quitclaim deed, it must be filed with the land records office where the property is located. This office is referred to by different names in different jurisdictions, but the most common names are: County Clerk’s Office, Country Recorder’s Office, Register of Deeds, or Land Registry Office.
Note that the County Recorder who will file the document requires a 2-3 inch margin at the top of the quitclaim deed document so that they can affix a stamp, filing number, or some other form of information to help identity and record the deed. LawDepot’s Quitclaim Deed should print out with a large enough margin at the top of the document for the recording clerk to do this. Do not write in this space.
