How to Deed Property to Someone Else
A deed is a legal certificate that is commonly used to establish ownership of a portion of land. In most parts of the world, a deed also bestows certain privileges and rights of possession upon the individual named in the title. If at any point you wish to transfer a title or deed a piece of property to another person, there are several ways to go about it.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Perform a title search and purchase title insurance, as this is the only way to prove the property belongs to you and is free and clear of liens or other existing claims.
-
2
Determine which type of deed you wish to use to transfer the property. Transfer complete ownership and all rights to the property immediately by using a warranty or grant deed. After the warranty deed is signed, you will have no control over the property and no say in what becomes of it. The warranty deed includes a legal promise of a free and clear title. Alternatively, you can reassign ownership of a piece of property without the promise of a title that is free and clear from other possible claims by using a quitclaim deed. Like a grant deed, it takes effect immediately, and you lose any further rights to the property.
-
-
3
Grant temporary ownership to another person with a trust deed. This is usually done when the property in question is being held as collateral or against a financial obligation. This type of deed does not imply possession, unless the terms of the contract are not met.
-
4
Ensure the deed of your choice contains the proper information. This would include a very specific description of the property so that it cannot be mistaken for any other, the full legal name of the person to whom you are deeding the property and the name of the person who is currently the legal owner.
-
5
Take the completed deed to the office of a notary public along with a government-issued photo ID. Sign the form in the presence of at least one witness and the notary public, and then file a copy of the completed document with the county clerk.
-
6
Verify through the county clerk's office that no further steps need to be taken and no other documents should be prepared and submitted for your specific county or state.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you fail to disclose any others who may have a claim of right to the property you are deeding, you can be taken to court and may end up paying monetary damages.
