Quitclaim Deed Template for United States

A Quitclaim Deed transfers property ownership in its simplest form - the owner (grantor) gives up any rights they might have to a property and passes them to someone else (grantee). Unlike other deeds, it makes no promises about the quality of the title or guarantees that the grantor actually owns the property.

These deeds often come into play during divorces, family property transfers, or clearing up title issues. They're quick and straightforward, but offer the least protection for buyers. In most states, you'll need to file them at your local county recorder's office to make them official, and they must include basic details like the property description and both parties' names.

Use a Quitclaim Deed when you need to transfer property quickly and the risks are low because you trust the other party. Common situations include transferring property between family members, removing an ex-spouse from a title after divorce, or clearing up potential claims during a property sale. It's also useful when a title company finds an old claim that needs to be resolved.

This deed works best when both parties understand exactly what property rights exist and agree on the transfer. Banks rarely accept quitclaim deeds for property purchases with mortgages because they offer no ownership guarantees. For standard property sales between unrelated parties, a warranty deed provides better protection.

• Standard Residential Quitclaim: Most common type, used for simple property transfers between family members or after divorce
• Enhanced Description Quitclaim: Includes detailed property descriptions, boundary surveys, and tax parcel numbers for complex properties
• Corporation/LLC Quitclaim: Contains additional sections for business entities, including authority verification and corporate resolution references
• Gift Quitclaim: Specifically states that no money changed hands, useful for tax purposes and family transfers
• Joint Tenancy Quitclaim: Creates or terminates joint ownership rights, often used between spouses or co-owners

• Property Owners (Grantors): Individuals or entities giving up their property rights, like divorcing spouses, family members gifting property, or businesses clearing title issues
• Recipients (Grantees): Those receiving the property rights, such as family members, business partners, or entities resolving ownership disputes
• Real Estate Attorneys: Draft and review the deeds, ensure proper language and legal requirements are met
• Title Companies: Research property histories and request quitclaim deeds to clear title defects
• County Recorders: Process and maintain official records of quitclaim deed transfers in public records

• Property Details: Gather the exact legal description from current deed, tax records, or property survey
• Party Information: Collect full legal names and marital status of all grantors and grantees
• Title Search: Review current ownership records to confirm grantor's rights to transfer
• Consideration: Document any payment or note if it's a gift transfer
• Local Requirements: Check county recorder's office for specific formatting rules and fees
• Notarization Plan: Arrange for all parties to sign with a notary present
• Recording Strategy: Prepare recording fees and plan to file at county office within local timeframes

• Title and Date: Clear identification as a Quitclaim Deed and execution date
• Grantor Details: Full legal names and marital status of all parties giving up property rights
• Grantee Information: Complete names and vesting details for recipients
• Property Description: Detailed legal description matching county records exactly
• Consideration Statement: Amount paid or statement of gift transfer
• Granting Language: Specific words releasing all claims to the property
• Signature Block: Space for grantor signatures and notary certification
• Recording Information: County recording requirements and space for official stamps

A Quitclaim Deed differs significantly from a Deed of Sale in both protection and purpose. While both transfer property rights, they serve very different legal functions and offer varying levels of security for the buyer.

• Title Guarantees: Quitclaim Deeds offer no guarantees about the property title or the seller's right to transfer it. Deeds of Sale include warranties that protect the buyer's interests and guarantee clear title.
• Purchase Protection: Deeds of Sale provide legal recourse if title problems emerge later. Quitclaim Deeds offer no such protection - buyers accept whatever rights the seller actually has.
• Typical Usage: Quitclaim Deeds work best for transfers between family members or clearing up title issues. Deeds of Sale are standard for traditional property purchases between unrelated parties.
• Financial Stakes: Banks typically require Deeds of Sale for mortgaged properties, while Quitclaim Deeds are often used for zero or low-value transfers.