Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Quitclaim deed question

While I was single I co-purchased a house with my parents. Now I'm married and want to submit a quitclaim deed. My question is, do i *have* to include my wife in the quitclaim deed or at least mention that i'm married?

The current title lists me as a single man. Is it wrong to sign a quitclaim deed that specifically lists me as a single man?

What is the *right* thing to do in my case?


Asked on 4/14/04, 8:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

Re: Quitclaim deed question

See an attorney who specializes in real estate law so can be done properly.I have been practicing law in this legal area for over 30 years and understand your problem well. I practice in the S.F. Bay Area and if you wish to contact me call at 925-945-6000.

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Answered on 4/15/04, 12:27 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Quitclaim deed question

Since "submit" is not an action commonly spoken of in connection with deeds, I'll have to guess at what you plan to do, and hopefully you'll be able to find something useful in the answer, or perhaps you might re-ask the question or contact me directly. At various times deeds are "executed," "delivered," "recorded" or even "forged," and I can't tell whether you plan to give up your interest, acquire your parents' interest, or whatever.

Assuming you want to acquire your parents' interest, they should execute a quitclaim deed to you, and the deed should specify that you are a married man acquiring the transferred interest as your sole and separate property.

I suggest using an escrow or title company for this process, as they can handle the details of recording, getting the language and property description right, and so forth; also, you should consider getting title insurance.

There is another issue, and that is property taxes. You should take steps to assure that the transfer will not unnecessarily trigger re-appraisal of your parents' half (or whatever) interest. Many intra-family transfers are exempt from re-appraisal, but the notice and reporting rules vary somewhat from county to county, and you should get instructions from your county's appraiser, treaurer, tax collector or possibly the recorder before you prepare the deed.

Yes, it would be wrong (and pointless) to show yourself as single on a deed if you're not. The separate nature of the property can be reflected by the wording of the granting clause on the deed.

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Answered on 4/14/04, 9:05 pm


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