Real property transfers are governed by Chapter 382 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

Although they are not defined in the statutes, Kentucky accepts quitclaim deeds to transfer the rights, title, and interest in real estate, if any, from the grantor (seller) to the grantee buyer), with no protections for the grantee. There may be potential unknown claims or restrictions on the title, and the buyer accepts the risk that the grantor may not have complete ownership of the property. Because of this, quitclaim deeds are commonly used to clear title, for transfers between family members, or in other situations where warranties are not necessary.

A lawful quitclaim deed identifies the names and addresses of each grantor and grantee. Kentucky law requires all recorded documents or documents affecting a change in property ownership to contain information on how the grantee will hold title (vesting). For residential property, the primary methods for holding title in co-ownership are tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by entirety. A grant of real estate to two or more persons creates a tenancy in common, unless otherwise specified. Tenancy by entirety is available to married couples only (KRS 381.050(1)).

Provide the complete legal description of the property and a reference to the previously recorded document transferring title to the grantor. State the full amount of consideration exchanged during the transfer, or, if nominal or no consideration has been exchanged, the fair cash value of the property (KRS 385.135). The county assesses a transfer tax on the consideration, due at the time of recording, unless the transaction is exempt under KRS 142.050. At the end of the instrument, include the preparer's name, address, and signature (KRS 382.335) and identify the in-care-of tax address (KRS 382.110(2)). Finally, the form must meet all state and local standards for recorded documents.

The signatures of both the grantor and grantee must be notarized for the deed to be recorded (KRS 382.130). Submit the signed, completed deed, along with any supplemental documentation necessary for the specific transaction, to the local county clerk's office of the county in which the property is located (KRS 382.110(1)). Recording the deed preserves a clear chain of ownership history and provides public notice of the transfer.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Contact an attorney with questions about quitclaim deeds or for any other issues related to the transfer of real property in Kentucky.

(Kentucky Quitclaim Deed Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Quitclaim Deed

Transfer property between co-owners
Transfer a vacation or second home to family
Transfer property held in joint tenancy
Transfer property into or out of a trust
Add a spouse to a property title after marriage
Gift real estate to a family member or loved one
Add a family member to a property title

Compare other Kentucky deed forms and documents

Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Affidavit of Surviving Joint Tenant Executor Deed Administrator Deed Affidavit of Descent Limited Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Limited Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Durable Power of Attorney Notice of Furnishing Notice to Owner Mechanics Lien Discharge of Lien Discharge of Lien by Bond Partial Conditional Lien Waiver Partial Unconditional Lien Waiver Final Conditional Lien Waiver Final Unconditional Lien Waiver Lis Pendens Lis Pendens Release Disclaimer of Interest Certificate of Trust Contract for Deed and Promissory Note Memorandum of Contract Full Release of Memorandum of Contract Mortgage and Promissory Note Deed of Release for release of Mortgage Affidavit of Abandonment

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our quitclaim deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in Kentucky.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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