What is a property deed?
A property deed is the legal document that records who owns real estate. When ownership changes through sale, gift, death, or family transfer a new deed must be prepared and recorded with the county. In California, deeds are recorded with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located.
Ang deed ay isang legal na dokumento na nagpapakita kung sino ang may-ari ng lupain o bahay. Kapag nagbago ang pagmamay-ari, kailangang maghanda at mag-record ng bagong deed sa county.
Common types of California deeds
Grant Deed
The most common deed used in California real estate transactions. The seller (grantor) transfers ownership to the buyer (grantee) and guarantees that no hidden claims or liens were created during their ownership.
Quitclaim Deed
Transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor has with no guarantees. Often used between family members, divorcing spouses, or to correct a title error. Fast and simple, but the new owner gets only what the grantor actually owns.
Interspousal Transfer Deed
Used between married couples or registered domestic partners. Often used to change how property is titled between spouses, such as moving property into joint tenancy or updating names after marriage.
Affidavit of Death
When a joint tenant or trust beneficiary passes away, an Affidavit of Death (combined with a death certificate) is recorded to update the title records and remove the deceased person's name from the deed.
Kapag namatay ang isang joint tenant, ang Affidavit of Death ay irerekordo upang i-update ang titulo at alisin ang pangalan ng namatay.
When do seniors need a new deed?
- Transferring property into a living trust
- Transferring property to a child or family member as a gift
- Removing a deceased spouse's name from the title
- Updating after marriage, divorce, or name change
- Correcting an error in an earlier deed
What we help with
As a registered California Legal Document Assistant, we prepare your deed forms based on the information you provide. We coordinate notarization and walk you through the county recording process step by step. We do not provide legal advice.
Mabuhay Seniors Concierge is a Legal Document Assistant service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice.