What is a Massachusetts Quitclaim Deed?
A Massachusetts (MA) quitclaim deed is used to legally transfer land or other property in Massachusetts with no guarantee that the seller (grantor) has the right to transfer to the buyer (grantee). This deed comes with no guarantees, so the grantee must perform the title search or only enter into this agreement with a trusted individual.
Sometimes quitclaim deeds are mistakenly called “quit claim deeds,” “quit claims deeds,” or “quick claim deeds,” but these are all the same document.
A warranty deed is different. It provides a warranty and title search to ensure the grantor has the right to transfer the property’s title.
Important Laws & Requirements
- Laws: Chapter 183 § 11 and §29
- Recording: Massachusetts quitclaim deeds must be filed with the Registry of Deeds Office. Choose the office in the county where the property is.
- Filing Fee: Each Registry of Deeds Office charges a filing fee, which must be filed along with the deed.
- Signing: Per Chapter 183 §29, a quit claim deed in Massachusetts has to be signed by the grantor in the presence of a notary public.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Massachusetts
Step 1: Find the appropriate deed form and download it to your computer.
Step 2: Have the preparer record their name and address in the section at the top left-hand side of the page.
Step 3: Record the return address and the name of the person who wants the deed after it is recorded. This goes under the preparer’s name.
Step 4: After the words, “Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” write the county where the property resides.
Step 5: Next, write the amount the grantor agreed to sell the property for. In the first blank space, write the value in words. After that, write it in numbers with a dollar sign.
Step 6: After “in hand paid to,” write the name of the grantor. Then write the word “grantor.” The next blanks are for the address, county, city, and state of the grantor.
Step 7: After “hereby grants to,” write the name of the grantee, followed by the word “grantee.” Then record the grantee’s address in the same order as the grantor’s address was listed.
Step 8: Record the property’s county again. Then add the legal description of the property. If you need to attach further documentation, write the name of the documents attached.
Step 9: Have the grantor sign the document in the presence of the notary. Under the signature, the grantor should print their name and address. The notary should notarize the document.
Step 10: Register the Massachusetts quitclaim deed form with the Registry of Deeds Office. Pay the filing fee charged by the county.
