Real estate conveyances in Massachusetts are governed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 183 and 184.

Quitclaim deeds transfer the rights, title, and interest in real estate, if any, from the grantor (seller) to the grantee (buyer). This deed transfers property without any warranty and with no covenants of title, and is separate from the statutory quitclaim deed with limited covenants under (G.L.c. 183 sec. 17). While not statutory, this type of quitclaim deed is still valid for transferring title to real property in the State of Massachusetts. It is especially useful for transactions between family members, clearing title, and in cases of divorce.

In addition to meeting all state and local standards for recorded documents, a lawful deed identifies the name, address, and marital status of each grantor and grantee (G.L.c. 183 sec. 6). State law requires that all land records contain information on how the grantee will hold title (G.L.c. 184 sec. 7). For Massachusetts residential property, the primary methods for holding title are tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by the entirety. A grant of ownership of real estate to two or more persons, regardless of marital status, is presumed to create a tenancy in common, unless the deed expressly states otherwise (G.L.c. 184 sec. 7).

As with any conveyance of real estate, a quitclaim deed requires a complete legal description of the parcel. The deed must state the amount of the full consideration, or the total price paid by the grantee for the transfer (G.L.c. 183 sec. 6). Based on the consideration paid, the seller pays an excise tax (also known as a transfer tax or stamp tax) to the Registry of Deeds office (G.L.c. 64D sec. 1, 2).

Record the completed deed at the local County Registry of Deeds office. Some counties (Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Worcester) are split into two or more recording districts. Make sure to record the deed in the correct recording district. If the deed pertains to registered land, submit the deed to the Registry District of the Land Court. Include all relevant affidavits, forms, and fees along with the deed for recording. For guidance related to supplemental documentation, speak with the local Registry of Deeds office.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Contact a lawyer with questions about quitclaim deeds or transfers of real property in Massachusetts.

(Massachusetts QCD 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 held in joint tenancy
Convey real estate as part of an estate plan
Remove a former business partner from a property title
Transfer property between co-owners
Gift real estate to a family member or loved one
Transfer property to an LLC or corporation

Compare other Massachusetts deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed with Covenants Gift Deed Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement General Durable Power of Attorney Specific Durable Power of Attorney for the Sale of Real Property Specific Durable Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Mortgage Deed and Promissory Note Discharge of Mortgage Assignment of Mortgage Memorandum of Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate Full Release of Memorandum of Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate Disclaimer of Interest Trustee Deed Personal Representative Deed of Sale Personal Representative Deed of Distribution Notice of Contract Notice of Identification Statement of Account Notice of Termination Notice of Substantial Completion Bond for Written Contract Dissolution by Bond Dissolution of Lien Contractor Partial Waiver and Subordination of Lien Contractor Full Conditional Lien Waiver Subcontractor Partial Waiver and Subordination of Lien Subcontractor Full Conditional Lien Waiver Estate Tax Affidavit Trustee Certificate

Important: County-Specific Forms

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

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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