Alex Denne
Growth @ Genie AI | Introduction to Contracts @ UCL Faculty of Laws | Serial Founder

Draft a Quitclaim

23 Mar 2023
22 min
Text Link

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Drafting a quitclaim is a key process in real estate matters and understanding its importance is essential for those involved. A quitclaim is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person or entity to another without any warranties or guarantees. It’s a simple way for the seller to transfer ownership without having to use more formal processes, avoiding any potential disputes between the parties in the transaction. However, there are several vital considerations to take into account when preparing one.

First, it is significant to understand the ramifications of drafting a quitclaim as it does not provide any warranties or guarantees about the property being transferred. This implies that whoever buys it must accept the risk of not knowing what state it’s in or any liabilities that may be associated with it. Moreover, liens and judgments imposed on the property before its transfer must be taken into consideration - otherwise, these could stay with the buyer after signing takes place.

Taxation implications are another factor that should be considered when forming a quitclaim since certain taxes and fees may need paying depending on where you’re located. And lastly, an awareness of timeline-related issues needs obtaining; this can take weeks or even months to complete so making sure you know what period you’re looking at will ensure all goes as smoothly as possible when dealing with such transactions.

The Genie AI team want to ensure everyone has access to free quitclaim templates and helpful guidance in order make sure everything runs smoothly during these transactions - without needing an account with Genie AI! By taking into account legal implications, taxation considerations and timeline issues associated with forming such documents anyone can make sure all aspects are covered appropriately; this helps minimise possible disputes arising and keeps things running on time throughout proceedings. Read on below for our step-by-step guidance and more information on how you can access our template library today!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Quitclaim: A legal document used to transfer ownership of property or other rights from one person to another without guaranteeing that the property is free from any liens or encumbrances.
Lien: A legal claim against a property that must be paid off before the property can be legally transferred.
Encumbrance: A legal claim or restriction against a property that could limit or prevent its sale or transfer.
Notarize: To officially witness the signing of a document and certify it as authentic.
Recorder: An official in charge of maintaining records, such as property deeds.

Contents

  • Definition of a Quitclaim
  • Reasons for Drafting a Quitclaim
  • Required Elements of a Quitclaim
  • How to Draft a Quitclaim
  • Gather all pertinent information
  • Draft the quitclaim document
  • Have the document reviewed by a legal professional
  • Important Considerations when Drafting a Quitclaim
  • How to Sign and Execute a Quitclaim
  • Have all parties sign the quitclaim in front of a notary
  • Have the document notarized
  • How to File or Record a Quitclaim
  • Submit the quitclaim to the appropriate county recorder
  • Pay any applicable filing fees
  • Obtain a copy of the recorded quitclaim
  • Tips for Drafting a Quitclaim
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid when Drafting a Quitclaim
  • Review the Quitclaim

Get started

Definition of a Quitclaim

  • Understand what a Quitclaim is: A Quitclaim is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a property from one person (the grantor) to another (the grantee).
  • Understand what the document does: The Quitclaim document transfers ownership without making any warranties about the current condition of the property or its legal title.
  • Understand what the document does not do: The Quitclaim does not guarantee that the grantor actually owns the property or has the right to transfer it, and it does not make any promises about the condition of the property or its title.

When you can check this off your list:

  • You have a clear understanding of what a Quitclaim is, what it does, and what it does not do.

Reasons for Drafting a Quitclaim

  • Determine why a quitclaim is necessary. Reasons may include transferring property, resolving a dispute, or settling an estate.
  • Consider the potential legal implications of drafting a quitclaim.
  • Research local laws and regulations to ensure the quitclaim is valid.
  • Consult a lawyer or real estate professional if necessary.
  • When you have determined the purpose and are aware of the implications of drafting a quitclaim, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.

Required Elements of a Quitclaim

  • Have both parties sign the document, including a date and names
  • Identify the property that is being released in the document
  • Describe the property in as much detail as possible
  • Include the name of the person releasing the property
  • Include the name of the person receiving the property
  • Both parties must sign and date the document in the presence of a notary public

When you have included all of these elements in the document, you can move on to the next step of drafting a quitclaim.

How to Draft a Quitclaim

  • Obtain a quitclaim deed form. This form can be found online or at your local courthouse.
  • Fill out the form. Be sure to include the date, the grantor, the grantee, the legal description of the property, and the consideration for the transfer.
  • Have the form notarized. Both the grantor and the grantee need to sign in the presence of a notary public.
  • File the form with the local county clerk.

When you can check this off your list:

  • You can check this off your list when the form has been properly filled out and filed with the local county clerk.

Gather all pertinent information

  • Obtain the name and address of the grantor and grantee
  • Collect all facts related to the property in question, including the legal description and address
  • Gather any relevant documents that may be necessary to complete the process
  • When all of the pertinent information has been collected, you can move on to the next step of drafting the quitclaim document.

Draft the quitclaim document

  • List the name of the grantor (the person giving up the claim) and the grantee (the person receiving the claim)
  • Specify the property and all applicable details about it
  • Describe the interest, if any, being conveyed
  • Include any other pertinent details, such as any power of attorney
  • Sign the document in the presence of a notary public

Once the quitclaim document is drafted, signed, and notarized, it can be checked off the list and you can proceed to the next step of having the document reviewed by a legal professional.

Have the document reviewed by a legal professional

  • Have a qualified attorney or legal professional review the quitclaim document.
  • Have them provide feedback and make any necessary revisions.
  • Once the document is finalized and you are satisfied with it and all legal requirements are met, you can move on to the next step.

Important Considerations when Drafting a Quitclaim

  • Make sure to include the full legal name of each grantor and grantee
  • Make sure all parties are of legal age, and are legally competent
  • Specify the property and its location
  • Include the consideration paid from grantee to grantor
  • Sign the document in the presence of a notary
  • Make sure that all copies of the document are signed and dated

When you have included the full legal name of each grantor and grantee, have specified the property and its location, have included the consideration paid, have signed the document in the presence of a notary, and have made sure that all copies of the document are signed and dated, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step of How to Sign and Execute a Quitclaim.

How to Sign and Execute a Quitclaim

  • Collect all the necessary signatures - make sure all parties involved in the quitclaim have signed it
  • Have the signatures notarized - all signatures must be witnessed and notarized in order to be legally binding
  • Make sure all copies of the quitclaim are signed and notarized - this is important for record-keeping purposes
  • Once all parties have signed and the signatures have been notarized, the quitclaim is legally binding and you can move on to the next step.

Have all parties sign the quitclaim in front of a notary

  • Gather the parties involved in the quitclaim, and any witnesses they wish to bring.
  • Obtain a notary public who can witness the signing of the quitclaim.
  • Ensure all parties have a valid form of identification.
  • Have all parties sign the document in front of the notary.
  • Have the notary witness and certify the signatures of all parties on the quitclaim.
  • Have the notary affix their official seal or stamp to the document.

You’ll know you can move on to the next step when you have all parties involved in the quitclaim sign the document in front of the notary, and the notary has certified the signatures and affixed their official seal or stamp to the document.

Have the document notarized

  • Have the notary witness all parties signing the quitclaim
  • Have the notary stamp and sign the quitclaim
  • Make sure to obtain a copy of the notarized quitclaim for all parties involved
  • Once the document has been notarized, you have completed this step and can move on to filing/recording the quitclaim.

How to File or Record a Quitclaim

  • Contact the county recorder’s office, either in person or by phone, to find out the necessary steps for filing/recording a quitclaim deed in the county
  • Ask about any forms needed to complete the recording process, and if there is a fee associated with recording
  • Provide the completed quitclaim document to the county recorder’s office, either in person or by mail.
  • Obtain a certified copy of the recorded quitclaim deed from the county recorder’s office, either in person or by mail.

How you’ll know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

  • You will know you have completed this step when you receive a certified copy of the recorded quitclaim deed from the county recorder’s office.

Submit the quitclaim to the appropriate county recorder

  • Visit the county recorder’s office or website to find out the requirements for submitting a quitclaim.
  • Gather the necessary documents and information, such as the completed quitclaim form, the grantor’s signature and the grantee’s information.
  • Fill out the necessary paperwork to submit the quitclaim to the recorder’s office.
  • Submit the quitclaim to the appropriate county recorder.
  • Get a copy of the recorded quitclaim from the county recorder.
  • You will know you have completed this step when you have a copy of the recorded quitclaim from the county recorder.

Pay any applicable filing fees

  • Find out the applicable filing fees for the quitclaim for the specific county you are filing in
  • Contact the county recorder’s office to find out the exact amount that needs to be paid
  • Pay the applicable filing fees either in person, online, or by mail
  • Once the payment has been accepted, you will receive a confirmation or receipt indicating that the filing fees have been paid
  • Check this off your list, and you are ready to move on to the next step.

Obtain a copy of the recorded quitclaim

  • Contact your local county records office and request a copy of the quitclaim.
  • Provide the office with the title of the document, the grantor and grantee names, and the date the quitclaim was recorded.
  • Pay any applicable fees.
  • Receive your copy of the recorded quitclaim.
  • Verify that all the information is correct and that the quitclaim is properly recorded.

How you’ll know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

  • When you have received the copy of the recorded quitclaim, verified its accuracy, and paid any applicable fees.

Tips for Drafting a Quitclaim

  • Read the quitclaim in its entirety and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions before drafting a new version
  • When drafting your quitclaim, make sure to include the date, the names of all parties involved, and a clear statement of the transfer of rights
  • Make sure to include language that makes it clear that the transfer of rights is for all purposes and is not limited in any way
  • Have the new quitclaim reviewed by an attorney to ensure it is legally binding and enforceable
  • When your quitclaim is complete, have all parties involved sign it and have it notarized
  • Once your quitclaim is signed and notarized, make sure to record it with the county clerk to ensure it is legally binding and enforceable

You’ll know when you can check this off your list and move on to the next step when the new quitclaim is signed, notarized, and recorded with the county clerk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Drafting a Quitclaim

  • Double check the language used in the quitclaim to ensure that it conveys the transfer of ownership clearly and accurately.
  • Make sure to include all relevant parties in the quitclaim and that they are fully identified.
  • Ensure that all of the parties involved have signed the quitclaim document, and that it is properly notarized if required by law.
  • Check if there are any legal requirements specific to the jurisdiction for a quitclaim to be properly executed.
  • Make sure that all of the information in the document is accurate and up-to-date.

Once you have double checked all of the above, you can move on to the next step which is to review the quitclaim.

Review the Quitclaim

  • Carefully examine the language in the quitclaim to ensure its accuracy
  • Read through the entire document to identify any discrepancies
  • Make sure all required information is included
  • Double check to make sure there are no typos or errors
  • Ensure that all the clauses are in the correct order
  • Confirm that all the necessary signatures are present
  • When you’re satisfied with your review, you can move on to the next step.

FAQ:

Q: What are the differences between a Quitclaim and a Deed for Transfer of Ownership?

Asked by John on July 4th 2022.
A: A Quitclaim is a legal document that releases a person or entity from any claim of ownership on a property. It transfers any interest one party may have to another. The difference between a Quitclaim and a Deed for Transfer of Ownership is that the Quitclaim does not guarantee that the party transferring the ownership actually has any rights to the property. A Deed for Transfer of Ownership, on the other hand, is an absolute guarantee that the rights to a property are being transferred, and it requires more strict legal requirements than a Quitclaim.

Q: What is the difference between US and UK jurisdictions when it comes to Quitclaims?

Asked by Sarah on August 3rd 2022.
A: In the United States, a Quitclaim can be used to transfer any right or interest in a property, regardless of whether or not it is legally enforceable. In contrast, in the UK there are restrictions on when and how a Quitclaim can be used. Generally speaking, it cannot be used to transfer title to land or other property, and must be accompanied by other legal documents such as a Deed of Assignment or Release. Furthermore, in the UK, Quitclaims must be in writing and signed by both parties in order for them to be legally enforceable.

Q: For Technology businesses using SaaS models, how does this affect how I draft my Quitclaim?

Asked by David on October 7th 2022.
A: When drafting your Quitclaim for Technology businesses using SaaS models, it’s important to ensure that all relevant terms and conditions are included in the document. This includes but is not limited to provisions concerning payment information, service level agreement (SLA) terms, intellectual property rights protection, data security measures, and termination procedures. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you include language outlining how disputes will be resolved should they arise and that any necessary third-party contracts such as hosting providers are adequately addressed.

Q: Is there any way I can protect myself against future claims if I draft my own Quitclaim?

Asked by Michael on December 15th 2022.
A: Yes, there are several ways you can protect yourself against future claims if you draft your own Quitclaim. Firstly, you should make sure that you include language outlining how disputes will be resolved should they arise. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that all relevant terms and conditions are included in the document such as payment information, service level agreement (SLA) terms, intellectual property rights protection, data security measures, and termination procedures. Lastly, consider having multiple parties review your document before signing it as an extra layer of protection against potential claims down the road.

Example dispute

Suing a Landlord for Breach of a Quitclaim Agreement:

  • Plaintiff alleges that the landlord violated the terms of a quitclaim agreement.
  • The quitclaim agreement states that the landlord must make certain repairs to the property within a certain timeframe, as well as maintain certain safety standards.
  • Plaintiff provides evidence that the landlord failed to make the necessary repairs or meet safety standards.
  • Settlement may be reached if the landlord agrees to make the repairs or pay for the repairs to be made.
  • Damages may be calculated based on the cost of the repairs and any other losses that the plaintiff incurred as a result of the landlord’s breach of the quitclaim agreement.

Templates available (free to use)

Bill Of Sale Quitclaim
Bill Of Sale Quitclaim California
Quitclaim Deed Commercial Property California
Quitclaim Deed Florida
Quitclaim Deed Georgia
Quitclaim Deed Illinois
Quitclaim Deed New York
Quitclaim Deed Of Release Commercial Property Loan Georgia
Quitclaim Deed Pennsylvania
Quitclaim Deed Residential Property California
Quitclaim Deed Texas
Quitclaim Intellectual Property Assignment Contract
Quitclaim Intellectual Property License Contract Work Of Authorship

Interested in joining our team? Explore career opportunities with us and be a part of the future of Legal AI.

Related Posts

Show all