Property deeds, explained simply
A short guide to California property deeds, in everyday words.
What is a property deed?
A property deed is the paper that says who owns the house. When the ownership changes, a new deed has to be prepared and filed with the county. That can happen because the house was sold, given as a gift, or because someone in the family passed away. In California, the deed gets filed with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property sits.
The deeds you'll hear about most
Grant deed
The most common deed used in California sales. The seller (the grantor) gives the property to the buyer (the grantee), and they're saying that during their ownership they didn't create any hidden claims or liens.
Quitclaim deed
This passes along whatever ownership the grantor has, with no promises and no guarantees. People use it between family, between spouses going through a divorce, or to fix a small mistake on an old deed. The new owner only gets what the old owner actually had.
Interspousal transfer deed
Used between husband and wife or registered domestic partners. People use it to change how the property is held between spouses, like switching to joint tenancy, or updating names after a marriage.
Affidavit of death
When a joint tenant or a trust beneficiary passes away, an Affidavit of Death gets filed with the county along with a death certificate. That clears up the records and takes the deceased person's name off the deed.
When seniors usually need a new deed
- Moving the house into a living trust
- Removing a deceased spouse's name from the title
- Updating the title after a marriage or divorce
- Giving the property to a child or another family member
- Fixing a mistake on an old deed
What I do
I'm a registered California Legal Document Assistant. I prepare your deed papers based on what you tell me, help you set up the notary, and walk you through how the county recording works. I'm not an attorney, so if your situation needs legal advice, I'll tell you straight.