How do I Nullify a Quit Claim Deed?

A quit claim deed transfers property ownership from one person to another. Once the deed has been signed by the parties, notarized and filed with the register or recorder of deeds, the property is legally transferred. In the event there is a mistake and you need to nullify a quit claim deed, filing a new quit claim deed is the only way to reverse the deed originally filed to transfer property ownership from one person to another.

Things You'll Need

• Quit claim deed form
• Notary public
• Filing fees

Instructions

1. Consult with the current property owner about transferring the property back to you. As long as there is no dispute over property ownership that person will be required to obtain a new quit claim petition and sign the document returning rights to the property to you. Blank quit claim documents can be obtained at your local county records office, or may be downloaded from a site such as Law Depot or The 'Lectric Law Library.

2. Compose a packet of information with the grantor, that includes photographs and a full description of the property. The grantor is the person giving over his rights to and interest in the property.

3. Sign the quit claim deed as the grantee if required to do so in your county or borough. The grantee is the person who takes over ownership of the property after the new quitclaim deed is filed. Make sure the grantor has signed the document in all proper places to assure the validity of the new quit claim deed.

4. Get the document notarized. The grantor is responsible for having the quit claim deed notarized, but you can attend with the grantor to ensure it is completed properly.

5. File the new quit claim deed with the county records office and pay the filing fee. The old quit claim deed will not be nullified until the new deed is filed and on record. Recording the transfer of ownership not only announces your interest and ownership of the property, but maintains ownership history for future owners of the property.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a real-estate lawyer in the event that the current property owner does not wish to rescind the rights to the property back to you. In the event that you signed the original quit claim deed under duress, the court may be able to nullify the original document, and having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can speed up the process.

References

• San Francisco Chronicle: How to Cancel a Quitclaim Deed
• Find Law: What are Property Deeds
• Real Estate Law: Recording a Title

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Law Depot: Quitclaim Deed Form
• The 'Lectric Law Library: Quit Claim Deed Form