In the state of Texas (TX), a quitclaim deed allows a property’s owner to transfer interests and ownership in a property to someone else, without going through the full title exploration process. A Texas quitclaim deed often works well when transferring property to a trust or between members of the same family.
Sometimes a quitclaim deed is called by the wrong name. “Quit claim deed,” “quick claim deed,” or “quit claim deed” are all terms that refer to the same type of document.
A warranty deed states that the title is free of issues and is different than a quitclaim deed.
Important Laws & Requirements
- Laws: § 13.002
- Signing: Per § 11.002(c), the grantor’s signature needs to be witnessed by a notary, with proper notarization.
- Recording: Texas quitclaim deeds require recording at the County Clerk’s Office. This is where the Recorder’s Office is located. Submit the form to the county where the property is located, along with the county’s filing fees.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Texas
Step 1: Download the TX quitclaim deed form.
Step 2: In the upper left-hand corner, add the name and address of the person preparing the form. Under this, add the name and address of the person who will receive the form after the recorder’s office is finished with it.
Step 3: Write the county in the appropriate blank. Use the county where the property is located.
Step 4: After “That for and in consideration of the sum of” write the dollar amount being paid for the property, in words. In the parentheses after the dollar sign, right the dollar and cents value numerically.
Step 5: In the next area, after “in hand paid to” write the grantor’s name, followed by the grantor’s status, such as single or married. For example, if the grantor is a married couple, write the name, followed by “husband and wife.” If the grantor is a single person, use the term “single.” If the grantor is a business, write the business name followed by the type of business, such as “an LLC.” Add address, including county, for the grantor.
Step 6: After “hereby remise, release and forever quitclaim to” add the name of the grantee, their status, and their address with the county included.
Step 7: Add the county where the property is located, followed by its full legal description, which is available from the Texas Public Records department.
Step 8: The grantee must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. The notary public must notarize the form.
Step 9: File the form with the appropriate County Clerk’s Office and Recorder’s Office. This is in the county where the property is located. Pay the county’s filing fee.