How to Fill Out Quick Claim Deeds in Illinois

A quitclaim deed is one way to transfer title to property.

Illinois requires that all real estate transfers/transactions be accompanied by a written statement detailing the transaction. When a grantor (a person selling or giving away land) transfers title to a grantee (the new owner), a deed is typically used to detail the transaction. Illinois quitclaim deeds (sometimes mistakenly called "quick claim deeds") are often used between parties who either know each other or are familiar with the property at issue. This is because a quitclaim deed makes no guarantees that the land is free from debt or other obligations.

Instructions

1. Ask your local county records office for a quitclaim deed form. You can either fill out the form provided or use it as a reference for drafting and filling out your own deed.

2. Identify each party and declare that you are conveying title to the land by quitclaim deed. Write "I, [your name and address] (hereinafter "Grantor"), for the consideration of [insert dollar amount paid for title] hereby convey and quit claim to [grantee's name and address] (hereinafter "Grantee") all interest in [property address including county]."

3. Describe the property. After including the address of the property, include a section that details the "legal" description of the property. This information is typically found on the original deed to the property; it is also contained in the plat and survey records at your county records office.

4. Bring the document to an Illinois Notary Public. Have each person (grantor and grantee) sign and date the document then notarize.

5. Bring the completed quitclaim deed to the county land records office and file a copy of the deed with the office. This puts other people who may be interested in the property on notice that title now rests in the grantee.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that you can draft your own quit claim deed. If you do, follow the steps as above, but title the document "Quit Claim Deed." Every legal document should have a title at the top of the page identifying the document for what it is. In this case, the document is a deed, specifically a quit claim deed.

• Be wary about a grantor who wants to quitclaim title to property if you do not know the person well or are unfamiliar with the land. Quitclaim deeds offer no promises as to the title or condition of the land, and you cannot force the grantor of a quitclaim deed to defend your title if problems arise.

References

• Lawhelp.org: Quit Claim Deeds and Life Estates
• Illinois Property Law: 765 ILCS 5, Section 10 "Quit claim deed"

Resources

• NNNT.com: Illinois Quit Claim Deed Form (Cook County)