Quitclaim Deed
A legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest a person has in a property, without guaranteeing that the title is clear.
A quitclaim deed is a document that transfers whatever ownership interest one person has in a piece of real estate to another person. Unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed makes no promises about whether the title is valid or free from other claims. The person signing the deed is simply saying, “Whatever I own in this property, I am giving to you.”
Quitclaim deeds are commonly used in Minnesota for transfers between family members, to add or remove a spouse from a title during or after divorce, and to fix title problems. They are not typically used in regular home sales because they offer no protection to the buyer if someone else has a claim to the property. In Minnesota, a quitclaim deed must be signed, notarized, and recorded with the county recorder’s office.
Why it matters: A quitclaim deed is the simplest way to transfer property interests, but it provides the least protection. If you receive property through a quitclaim deed, you are taking on the risk that the title might not be clear.
Example: As part of a divorce settlement, one spouse signs a quitclaim deed transferring their interest in the family home to the other spouse, who will keep the house.
Divorce property transfers, transfers between family members, clearing title issues