26 Aug What Is a Quitclaim Deed?
A quitclaim deed is one of the simplest ways to transfer property from one person to another. Unlike other deeds, it doesn’t guarantee that the title is free from liens or disputes—it only transfers whatever ownership the signer currently has.
Because it’s fast and straightforward, a quitclaim deed is most often used between people who already know and trust each other, such as family members, spouses, or business partners.
What Are the Benefits of a Quitclaim Deed?
A quitclaim deed doesn’t provide the same legal protections as a warranty deed, but it does have some clear advantages:
- Fast and easy: In many cases, it can be signed and filed in a single day.
- Lower cost: Less paperwork and fewer legal requirements usually mean lower fees.
- Practical: It makes adding or removing a name from a property title simple.
For example, if you recently got married and want to add your spouse to your home’s title, a quitclaim deed lets you do that quickly—without selling or repurchasing the property.
Is a Quitclaim Deed Valid After Death?
Yes, but only if it’s recorded before the person who signed it passes away. If the deed isn’t filed with the county in time, the transfer may not be recognized. Filing promptly ensures the transfer is clear and legally valid.
How Long Does a Quitclaim Deed Give You Ownership?
Ownership begins as soon as the quitclaim deed is signed and recorded. From that moment, the new owner has the same rights the previous owner had. Just remember: recording the deed with the county is what makes it legally valid.
When Should You Use a Quitclaim Deed?
Quitclaim deeds work best in situations where trust is high and ownership isn’t in question.
Common situations include:
- Transferring property between family members (like passing ownership of the family cabin to your children)
- Adding or removing a spouse after marriage or separation
- Moving property into a trust or LLC
- Correcting a minor title issue
Protect Your Interests
Because a quitclaim deed doesn’t guarantee that the title is clean, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting. If you have concerns about the property’s history or legal claims, it’s worth getting a title search or using a different type of deed.
At Phelps LaClair, we help families handle estate planning matters with confidence. Whether you’re considering setting up a trust or trying to find the best way to leave your house to your children, we can guide you through the legal steps involved.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Chandler, Glendale, or one of our other Phoenix Valley locations.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (08/06/25). Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels