Many people start out planning to prepare their own quitclaim deed.
Then they discover additional requirements such as legal descriptions, county recording procedures, transfer tax forms, exemption statements, notarization requirements, and state-specific filing rules. This page explains the most common options available.
Option 1: Do It Yourself
Many property owners prepare their own quitclaim deeds using legal form software or deed preparation guides.
This option is often attractive because it's usually the lowest-cost approach and gives you the most control over the process.
Just keep in mind that you're responsible for reviewing your state's requirements, county recording procedures, and any additional forms that may be required.
DIY Quitclaim Deed Forms
Prepare your own quitclaim deed using legal form software and step-by-step instructions.
Option 2: Document Preparation Service
Some property owners would rather have someone prepare the deed paperwork for them instead of filling out the forms themselves.
This option can save time and help you avoid paperwork mistakes, especially when extra forms or recording requirements are involved.
You still provide the information needed for the deed, but the actual preparation work is handled by the service provider.
Quitclaim Deed Preparation Service
Have your quitclaim deed paperwork prepared for you.
Option 3: Online Notary
Most quitclaim deeds need to be signed in front of a notary public before they can be recorded.
We understand that getting out of the house, driving across town, finding a notary, and working around business hours can be inconvenient.
Remote online notarization may let you complete this step from home, using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. It's not available everywhere, so it's worth checking your state and county before you rely on it.
Important:
Not every state, county, or recording office handles online notarization the same way. Before using an online notary for a deed, confirm that remote online notarization is accepted for your transaction and recording location.
Online Notary Services
See whether remote online notarization is available where your property is located, and what your county recorder expects from a remotely notarized deed.
Check State Online Notary Rules
Review your state's online notarization status before choosing a remote notary service.
Option 4: Professional Legal Assistance
Most quitclaim deed situations are pretty manageable on your own. But some situations are genuinely more complicated than a typical property transfer, and that's when it's worth bringing in a professional.
A few examples where legal help is often worth it:
- Ownership disputes
- Probate issues
- Business entity ownership transfers
- Title defects
- Boundary disputes
- Litigation involving the property
- Complex estate planning situations
If any of these sound like your situation, it's worth talking to an attorney before preparing or recording a deed.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There's no single answer that fits everyone, and that's okay.
Simple family transfers, adding or removing a spouse from title, trust transfers, and similar transactions are often handled just fine without extensive legal involvement.
More complicated ownership situations may justify additional professional assistance, and there's no shame in wanting that extra layer of confidence.
The goal is simply to pick the option that matches both how complicated your transfer is and how comfortable you feel handling the paperwork, signing, notarizing, and recording yourself.
Why Are There So Many Different Requirements?
Quitclaim deeds look simple at first, but each state has its own signing, notarization, transfer tax, and recording rules.
For example, some states require transfer declaration forms, sales validation questionnaires, preliminary change of ownership reports, or other recording-related documents you might not expect.
That's exactly why this website walks through state-specific quitclaim deed instructions, along with supplemental pages for those extra filing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare my own quitclaim deed?
Many property owners prepare their own quitclaim deeds using legal form software or deed templates. Whether that approach is appropriate depends on the complexity of the transfer and the user's comfort level with legal paperwork.
What is a document preparation service?
A document preparation service assists with preparing the deed paperwork based on information provided by the customer.
Can I notarize a quitclaim deed online?
Some states and recording offices allow remote online notarization, but rules vary by state and county. Confirm acceptance before using an online notary for a deed.
When should I consider legal assistance?
Legal assistance may be appropriate when ownership issues, probate matters, title defects, litigation, or other complex legal issues are involved.
Which option is the least expensive?
Do-it-yourself deed preparation is typically the lowest-cost option, while professional services generally involve additional fees.
Continue Learning
Not sure where to start?
Visit your state-specific quitclaim deed instructions page for step-by-step guidance, recording information, and state-specific requirements.
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