What is a Utah Quitclaim Deed?
A Utah (UT) quitclaim deed is a legal document that allows a property owner to transfer real property to a buyer. It names the buyer and seller, the property, and any terms, interest or conditions conveyed in the transfer of property.
A quitclaim deed only transfers the grantor’s interests in a piece of real estate. It doesn’t create or cancel any warranties on the title, and whatever part of the land the grantor owns, if any, will transfer to the grantee. This is unlike a warranty deed, which contains a guarantee that the grantor has legal title and rights to the real estate.
Utah quitclaim deeds are most often used when transferring property within a family, putting property into a trust for estate planning, or removing a potential interest holder from the property. A UT quitclaim deed is sometimes incorrectly called a “quit claims deed,” “quick claim deed,” or a “quit claim deed.”
Important Laws & Requirements
- Laws: § 57.1.13 – specifies the legally required wording for Utah quitclaim deeds.
- Recording: Utah quitclaim deeds must be recorded with the local County Recorder’s Office
- Signing: (§ 57-3-101) A Utah quitclaim deed must identify all parties, and be signed by all parties or their representatives. Notary acknowledgement is required.
- Attachments: (§ 57-3-109) A Water Rights Addendum must be attached, even if there are no rights to water on the property.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Utah
Step 1: Download a free Quit Claim Deed form online or pick up one from your local county recorder’s office.
Step 2: Completely fill in the names, addresses, and contact information of the seller and the buyer using black ink.
Step 3: Include the full legal description of the property. You do not have to list a dollar amount, although including one is advised to avoid future complications. You should also include the Water Rights Addendum.
Step 4: Both the buyer and the seller should sign the document with a notary public and two uninvolved witnesses present.
Step 5: File the completed Utah Quit Claim deed with your local County Recorder’s Office (also called register of deeds, land registry, or county clerk depending on your jurisdiction).
