A Colorado (CO) quitclaim deed is a deed used to transfer property from one person to the next without a warranty. This is commonly used when transferring property between family members or when changing the deed to add or remove a party, like a spouse.
With a CO quitclaim deed, the seller is saying there is no warranty on the title. This means there could be title problems with the property, and this means the buyer should only work with a trusted seller. In contrast, a warranty deed is issued when the title has been cleared.
Sometimes quitclaim deeds are mistakenly called “quit claims deed,” “quick claim deed,” or “quit claim deed.”
Important Laws & Requirements
- Laws: § 38-30-116
- Specific Terminology: Quitclaim deeds in Colorado cannot use the word “convey” in the document. The word “quitclaim” must be used instead. So, instead of “The seller conveys the property to the buyer,” it must state, “the seller quitclaims the property to the buyer.”
- Signing: Based on § 38-35-103, Colorado quitclaim deeds must be signed in the presence of a notary public.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Colorado
Step 1: Find the correct CO quitclaim deed form. Download it to complete using the computer or by hand. After you complete it, you will need to print it for signing.
Step 2: At the top of the page is a box that is for the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to use. Do not write in this column.
Step 3: On the left is a column where you will enter the preparer’s information. Enter the name and address of the person preparing the form. Underneath that enter the name and address of the person who receives the deed when thy County Clerk and Recorder’s Office is finished with it. This is typically the buyer.
Step 4: The next section in the middle of the page requires several pieces of information. Enter the county where the property is, the name of the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee). If any money is changing hands, write the amount, entering the amount spelled out in the first blank and written numerically in the second.
Step 5: Enter the address of the grantee, including the city and county where the grantee lives.
Step 6: Enter the legal description of the property transferring hands. List the county, then the plot, subdivision, street address, and other defining features. You can attach a document if you need more space.
Step 7: The grantor must sign and add their full address. This must be done in front of a notary, who will enter their address and name as well.
Step 8: File the form and supporting documents with the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office where the property is located.