Does a spouse have to sign a quitclaim deed?
For a quitclaim deed, does the Grantor’s spouse have to sign? What if they refuse to sign? My mother is the Grantor and I am the Grantee.
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It would not be mandatory, but it would be better to have the spouse sign because even if the spouse is not on the deed listed as an owner, they still have what is called a “marital interest” simply due to being married to the owner.
Having both the owner and their spouse sign a quitclaim deed as Grantors ensures that everything the Grantor owns or has an interest in with regard to the property gets transferred to the Grantee.
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For a quitclaim deed, does the Grantor’s spouse have to sign? What if they refuse to sign? My mother is the Grantor and I am the Grantee.
I understand that dealing with quitclaim deeds can be complicated. Is your mother currently married, and is her spouse involved in the property transfer?
He is not involved, but needs to sign the Quitclaim Deed correct?
Have you already discussed the situation with your mother’s spouse regarding their signature on the deed?
My mother prefers him not involved.
Is there anything else the Real Estate Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with the signature issue.
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Hello and welcome to the site! My name is Barrister and I am a licensed attorney, and I am here to help with your situation.
I know your question is important, but there may be a short delay in my responses as I type out an answer or reply, as I am typically working with several customers at once on the website.
I have read your post and I am sorry to hear you are having to deal with this situation, as I realize it can be frustrating and confusing.
Appreciate your assistance.
It would not be mandatory, but it would be better to have the spouse sign because even if the spouse is not on the deed listed as an owner, they still have what is called a “marital interest” simply due to being married to the owner.
Having both the owner and their spouse sign a quitclaim deed as Grantors ensures that everything the Grantor owns or has an interest in with regard to the property gets transferred to the Grantee.
What rights would the person have with a “marital interest”?
They can potentially come back and claim that they have some type of equitable interest in the property.
For example, if a wife owned a property in her name only, but her husband had contributed a lot of money to repairs, upkeep, maintenance, and improvements over the years, then even though he’s not on the deed, he may still claim equitable rights in the property due to those contributions.
The problem with a quitclaim deed is that it is essentially saying, “Whatever I own, whether 0% or 100% or anything in between, I am conveying to you, but I’m not guaranteeing anything.”
It makes no guarantee as to the quality of the title. I can give you a quitclaim deed from me to you for your mother’s house and it would mean absolutely nothing because I have nothing to convey.
If my mother passes away, would her husband own the place or have control of 50% of it?
It depends on whether she had a will leaving it to you or to him, and when she acquired it—during marriage, before marriage, inherited, or gifted.
It also depends on whether the spouse has any claim due to paying for the property over the years, and even what state it is in, because some states give the surviving spouse the right to live there for life if it was their home.
There are many factors that can affect whether the spouse gets an interest in the property if your mother passes.
But if he signs the quitclaim deed… all that doesn’t matter.
Understood. Appreciate your time.
You are very welcome. Glad I could help. It was my pleasure to work with you and help with your question.
Barrister
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