Full question:
I was divorced earlier this year. I can currently the sole tenet of the former joint property and currently the only person on the mortage. What forms do I need to complete to get my wife removed from the Deed to the property.
- Category: Real Property
- Subcategory: Deeds
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
Deeds are used to transfer real property and come in various forms. A deed is the written document which transfers title (ownership) or an interest in real property to another person. No consideration is required to make the deed effective. The deed must describe the real property, name the party transferring the property (grantor), the party receiving the property (grantee) and be signed and notarized by the grantor. In addition to the signature of the grantor(s), deeds must be acknowledged to be recorded and acceptable as evidence of ownership without other proof. A valid deed must be delivered and accepted to be an effective conveyance. Most states assume delivery if the grantee is in possession of the deed. The deed also must be accepted by the grantee. This acceptance does not need to be shown in any formal way, but rather may be by any act, conduct or words showing an intention to accept such as recording the deed. To complete the transfer (conveyance) the deed must be recorded in the office of the county recorder or recorder of deeds in the county in which the real estate is located.
There are many situations in which it may be desirable to add or delete a person's name from a deed, such as adding or removing a spouse, child or sibling. A person can only be deleted from a deed with their approval, i.e., they must execute the deed (sign and have their signature notarized). A quit claim deed is often used to transfer property from one spouse to another in a divorce or separation situation.
There are two basic types of deeds: a warranty deed, which guarantees that the grantor owns title, and the quitclaim deed, which transfers only that interest in the real property which the grantor actually has. The only type of deed that creates "liability by reason of covenants of warranty" as to matters of record is a general warranty deed. A warranty deed conveys specifically described rights which together comprise good title. The grantor warrants that the title is good, that the transfer is proper, and that there are no liens other than stated in the deed. The grantee can sue if the warranty is breached. A quit claim deed contains no warranties and the seller doesn't have liability to the buyer for other recorded claims on the property. The purchaser takes the property subject to existing taxes, assessments, liens, encumbrances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, rights of way and easements of record. The quitclaim is often used among family members or from one joint owner to the other when there is little question about existing ownership, or just to clear the title. If a deed is intended to be a general warranty deed, it should contain a phase specified by state law such as the phrase "conveys and warrants". These words, called operative words of conveyance, carry with them several warranties which the grantor is making to the grantee. An example of operative words of conveyance in a quitclaim deed is "convey and quit claim."
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
