[TX] [TX] Can a minor be the grantor on a deed?

Lexi, Chatbot

Hi. How can I help?

Andres Sanchez

Hello. My name is Andres Sanchez, and I am an attorney with 20 years of experience. Please tell me what state you're in.

Andres Sanchez

In Texas, a minor (under age 18) can receive a deed—but there are important legal nuances and limitations surrounding using a minor as a grantor (transferring property).

1. Title transfer to a minor
   Texas law allows conveyancing real estate to a minor without issue—so a 15-year-old can be the grantee (recipient) of property via a properly executed deed.
   You’d need a deed in writing with legal descriptions, signed by the grantor, notarized, delivered, and recorded.
2. But a minor cannot act as grantor
   A 15-year-old lacks legal capacity to grant or transfer real estate—they cannot sign away property or enter binding contracts. Thus, a minor cannot sign as grantor.

What this means in your case

You said “transferring deed grantor with minor 15.” If you mean:

• Grantor = minor? Not possible—minors cannot transfer their own deed.
• Grantee = minor? Yes, you can transfer to a minor using a deed.

️ Best practices when transferring to a minor

• Use a custodial structure instead of direct transfer—this is done under the Texas Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
  Property is held by an appointed custodian (often a parent), for the child’s benefit.
  This avoids issues with a minor being legally unable to manage or sell the property.
• Alternatively, create a trust for the minor, with a trustee managing assets until they reach majority.

Risks of outright transfer

If you gift property directly to your 15-year-old, you’ll need a guardian appointed by the court to handle anything the minor cannot do—like selling or mortgaging the property.

The guardian must report annually and manage oversight until age 18.

Andres Sanchez

If you’re asking whether a 15-year-old can be the grantor (the one transferring or signing away ownership), the answer is no in Texas. A minor does not have legal capacity to sign a deed transferring real estate. You’d need a court-appointed guardian to handle any sale or transfer from the minor’s name — and that requires a court proceeding for approval.

Andres Sanchez

Here’s how long each option typically takes in Texas when a minor (like a 15-year-old) is involved:

• Guardianship of the Estate (to transfer/sell)
  • Court hearing: Held within 10 days of filing the guardianship petition.
  • Temporary guardian: Appointed immediately after the hearing; that status lasts up to 60 days.
  • Final decree authorizing sale/transfer: Typically issued 5–10 business days after court approval in larger counties, but could take longer in smaller ones.

Total time: Usually 2–4 weeks, potentially longer depending on the county and court backlog.

Andres Sanchez

Sorry, I am not able to do that.

Andres Sanchez

Do you have any other questions?

Andres Sanchez

It appears I have answered your question. Best of luck.