Quitclaim Deed in Pennsylvania: When & How to Use One
The deed that transfers whatever interest you have — with no guarantees.
What is a quitclaim deed?
A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor happens to have in a property — with no promises that the grantor actually owns it or that the title is clear. If the grantor owns nothing, the grantee gets nothing, and there is no warranty to fall back on.
When is a quitclaim deed appropriate?
Quitclaim deeds work well between parties who trust each other or where no money changes hands: adding or removing a spouse from title, transferring into a family trust or a wholly-owned limited liability company, or clearing a possible cloud on title. They are generally a poor choice for an arm's-length purchase.
Why buyers should be cautious
Because it carries no warranties, a buyer paying real money for a property normally wants a warranty deed instead, backed by title insurance. Accepting a quitclaim in a purchase means accepting the title risk yourself.
How Nochumson P.C. helps
Nochumson P.C. prepares and reviews deeds — quitclaim and warranty — and makes sure the transfer actually accomplishes what you intend. Contact us before you sign a deed.
Related articles:
- Warranty Deed vs. Quitclaim Deed
- Special Warranty Deed in Pennsylvania
- Fee Simple Ownership, Explained
- Transfer-on-Death Deeds (and PA's Status)
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