Do I need an attorney to file a deed?

Asked by: Selina Schamberger II  |  Last update: November 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (21 votes)

You are not required to have an attorney to transfer a deed. You can actually just do a Quit Claim Deed, which you can download the form from the internet or purchase in Staples. It is a good idea to record the lien after the transfer.

Do you need a lawyer to draw up a deed?

Create a Deed or Deed Transfer

You may not need to involve an attorney to create a particular deed if you already have all the information.

How to transfer property ownership in Alaska?

Ownership Changes

Recording a deed is best handled through a Title Company. For those doing their own deeds, deed templates are often available online or at office supply stores. The deed must have the names and addresses of both the current ownership and the new ownership, and the legal description of the property.

How much does it cost to have an attorney prepare a deed?

The average cost (i.e., legal fees) for a lawyer to help a client file a property deed is $530 on a flat fee basis. This cost points come from recent property deed filing projects on the ContractsCounsel platform and are averages from across all US states.

Who can prepare a deed in New Jersey?

Although it is often said that a real estate agent or title company will prepare the deed, in reality, they typically have an attorney prepare the deed in New Jersey.

Title vs. Deed: Don't Get These Legal Concepts Confused!

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Do I need a lawyer to add a name to a deed in NJ?

While it is not legally required to have an attorney, it is highly recommended to consult with a real estate attorney when dealing with deed transfers in New York and New Jersey.

Who draws up a new deed?

A deed can be recorded in one of two ways. The first method is to work with a professional, such as a title or escrow agent or real estate attorney, who can draw up and record a deed on your behalf. This includes a correction deed or other type of new deed that will help correct any errors on an existing deed.

Who pays to prepare the deed?

The Buyer Generally Pays:

Document preparation (if applicable) Notary fees. Recording charges for all documents in buyer's name.

How long does it take to prepare a deed?

A properly recorded deed can take anywhere from 14 days to 90 days. That may seem like a long time, but your local government office goes over every little detail on the deed to make sure the property is correct and there are no errors.

How do I prepare a property deed?

Here is how to prepare a deed effectively:
  1. Identify the Parties: Clearly state the names and addresses of the grantor(s) and grantee(s) involved in the transaction.
  2. Property Description: Provide an accurate description of the property, including its legal description, address, and any relevant parcel numbers.

What do I need to transfer a title in Alaska?

Required Documentation
  1. Existing Title: The original title document confirming ownership.
  2. Bill of Sale: A complete bill of sale that includes vehicle details and signatures of both parties.
  3. Identification: Valid identification, such as a driver's license, for the person requesting the transfer.

Who benefits the most from a quitclaim deed?

There are many uses for a quitclaim deed, but one of the most common is to convey ownership between people who are related, like spouses, parents or other family members.

Where are deeds recorded in Alaska?

Alaska Department of Natural Resources Recorder's Office.

Who holds the deed to your house?

A deed, on the other hand, transfers the title from the grantor to the grantee. So when you purchase a home, you'll own both the title and the deed.

How do I draw up my own deed?

How To Get a Property Deed – Step by Step
  1. Step 1: Get a Deed Form. Obtain a property deed form at the recorder office of your local county, a law library, or an office supply store. ...
  2. Step 2: Legally Describe the Property. ...
  3. Step 3: Identify the Parties Involved. ...
  4. Step 4: Date and Signature. ...
  5. Step 5: File the Property Deed.

Can anyone change a deed?

Once you've recorded a deed, it's a part of the public record and can't be changed. That's the bad news. The good news? You can execute a new deed called a correction deed to amend that original record.

Does a deed have to be done by a lawyer?

A deed, of course, is a legal document representing property ownership. But you might be wondering if an owner can transfer a deed to another person without a real estate lawyer. The answer is yes. Parties to a transaction are always free to prepare their own deeds.

How long after closing do you get the deed?

How Long Does It Take to Record a Deed? It should take between 14 and 90 days for you to receive a deed recorded properly. That might seem a long time to wait, especially if you're doing it for the first time.

Can someone sell a house if your name is on the deed?

Can someone sell a house if your name is on the deed? If your name is on the deed as a co-owner, joint tenant, or tenant in common, the other owner(s) generally have the legal right to sell the house without your consent.

How much does a lawyer charge to transfer a deed?

If you are asking how much it costs to have a deed drafted to transfer ownership from one person to another, then typically an attorney will charge $250-300 or so to draft up a new deed. Then there are recording fees for the deed that are normally less than $50. And any transfer taxes are typically .

How much does it cost to draw up a deed?

Property Deed Cost

A property deed can cost between $50 to $200 for charges associated with the legal document that transfers the title to real estate from one person to another.

Who pays to record a deed?

The buyer often pays the recording fees for the new mortgage and deed to be entered into a legal record. 1 The amount depends on the type and complexity of the real estate transaction. The recording fee for a deed may cost $12 in one county while another county charges buyers $15.

Who keeps the original deed?

The seller's attorney will give the original deed to the buyer's attorney at closing. That original then gets recorded at the clerk's office of the local municipality. The clerk's office scans and records the document into the land records and then sends it to the buyer or their attorney.

What would cause a deed to be void?

Deed signed by mistake (grantor did not know what was signed) Deed executed under falsified power of attorney. Deed executed under expired power of attorney (death, disability, or insanity of principal) Deed apparently valid, but actually delivered after death of grantor or grantee, or without consent of grantor.

What are my rights if my name is on a deed?

If you own a house, then you definitely want your name on the deed. A house deed is an important legal document that proves that you are the true legal owner of your house. It gives you certain title rights, such as the right to take out a mortgage, or to buy, sell, rent or transfer the house.