Property law can be a tricky business especially when personal relationships are involved. Particularly in times of divorce, it can get quite tricky when it comes to a fair and equitable settlement. One type of document you may hear a lot about during times like these is the quit claim deed. Quit claim deeds are set apart to absolve certain parties from their ties to property when those ties are no longer sufficient or convenient. While a quit claim deed can certainly be a good thing, it does have certain disadvantages depending on the situation. Here are six you should consider before going through with executing one:

For the layman, it usually means seeking the help of a paid professional: Not everyone knows the ins and outs of the law. In fact, most people would be lost if you asked them what a quit claim deed is or even looks like. For this reason, it will often require the help of a professional to properly execute, and that could cost extra, which may or may not be welcome depending on your situation. What do you stand to lose or gain?

It is a matter that requires careful consideration and deliberation usually spread out over multiple parties: When a quit claim deed is necessary, that often means that opposing parties are bringing their own best interests to the table. Divorce is one of the most common areas where this document will be necessary, and that usually means conflict.

You relinquish all interest and rights to property: Think long and hard about this particular disadvantage. If you are considering signing a quit claim deed to your home or property, you are giving up the right to call it your own. Make sure that it is not worth the fight before you give in, because once it's executed, you are pretty much locked in to the consequences.

A quit claim deed does not release you from a mortgage: Don't think that just because you have signed a quit claim deed that you are relinquished from the responsibility of your home mortgage. It's a little more complicated than that. Seek legal or business help that you can trust before washing your hands and walking away. It could save you some nasty surprises in the future.

A quit claim deed does not necessarily mean you own the property free and clear. It could have liens and other liabilities: If there are other holdings against the property, such as liens and other liabilities, then a quit claim deed does not necessarily grant ownership free and clear.

Once signed, it is difficult to undo: Though previously mentioned, it is worth noting just how difficult quit claim deeds are to undo. These documents are some of the most binding in property law because it is an authorized affirmation that a party no longer has any interest in the properties they once held. Like adoption, it is a near iron clad commitment not to be entered into lightly.

If a quit claim deed is necessary to your situation, be sure to first analyze all the circumstances before executing it in the eyes of the law. Being sure saves you time and money.




See an example Quit Claim Deed or download a Real Estate Contract online.