legal guide Archives

May 11, 2022April 25, 2024

Can I Quitclaim My House Into a Living Trust?

We’re glad you asked. You might have heard that a living trust can…

Have your property bypass the costly, time-consuming probate court process when you die.

Be modified if you change your mind, and even let you put the property back in your own name while you are alive.

Name a successor trustee with the power to pass your property to whomever you designate as the new owner.

All of the above are reasons many people use this method of passing their property along after they die. And a home is a typical piece of property that people put into a living trust.

Importantly, a living trust is a revocable trust — it’s a trust you control during your life, and can change. Curious as to how it works? Here, we outline the basics of using a living trust to pass a lifetime home along to its future owner(s).

July 13, 2020April 25, 2024

Bargain and Sale vs. Quitclaim Deeds: A Concise Guide

Are you looking to buy a home though a bargain and sale deed? Perhaps you’re buying after a foreclosure, or from an estate or a court-ordered sale. If so, the entity granting the deed to you might lack knowledge of the property’s history. Basically, the deed means a buyer is expected to accept the house as-is.

How does this differ from a quitclaim deed? What rights and protections does the bargain and sale deed give you, the new owner? Let’s take a look.

May 13, 2014April 25, 2024

Quitclaim Deeds after Divorce or Dissolution: Navigating the Property Transfer

Quitclaim deeds serve as a versatile tool in real estate transactions, transferring a current owner’s interest, if any, to a new owner. Such transfers might or might not involve consideration—often monetary value. These deeds are particularly useful for clarifying ambiguous titles, resolving boundary disputes, or gifting property, yet they do not guarantee the title’s validity to the recipient.

In the context of a divorce or dissolution, quitclaim deeds take on a specialized role. Property division in these instances is typically overseen by a judge, who may order one party to relinquish their rights in jointly-owned real estate to their former partner. When quitclaim deeds are used in divorce proceedings, they often necessitate extra details. Many jurisdictions, for example, require an explicit reference to the divorce within the document, including the docket or civil action number, along with the recording specifics of the related legal judgment.

September 6, 2013April 25, 2024

Using a Quitclaim Deed in Missouri to Create a Joint Estate

In Missouri, the creation of a joint estate in real property can be facilitated through the use of a quitclaim deed, as outlined in Section 442.025 of the Missouri state law. This legal instrument is often employed for its simplicity and efficiency in transferring ownership interests without warranty.