Whether you’re newlyweds, planning for the future, or just want your husband to share ownership of your home, adding him to your deed is a great step. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make it happen in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Check Your Current Deed
Start by confirming how your property is titled. Pull a copy of your deed from the Adams County Register and Recorder’s Office in Gettysburg or online. Is it just in your name? Are there liens or other owners? Knowing this upfront keeps the process smooth.
Step 2: Pick the Right Deed Form
In Pennsylvania, usually the easiest way to add someone to your deed is with what sometimes is called a Quitclaim Deed. It’s perfect for spousal transfers—quick, simple, and doesn’t mess with your mortgage. You can find a form online, at a stationary store, or let us provide one for you.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Hold Title Together
You and your husband have a few options for joint ownership:
- Tenants by the Entirety: The go-to for married couples in PA. If one spouse passes, the other gets full ownership automatically. Plus, it offers some creditor protection.
- Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship: Ownership passes to the survivor, but it’s not exclusive to spouses.
- Tenants in Common: You each own a share (like 50/50), and it doesn’t pass automatically if one dies.
Most couples choose Tenants by the Entirety for its perks. Not sure what’s right for you? We’re happy to walk you through it.
Step 4: Fill Out and Sign the Quitclaim Deed
Here’s what to put in the deed:
- You as the “grantor” (the one giving the interest).
- You and your husband as “grantees” ( the new co-owners), worded like “to [Your Name] and [Husband’s Name], husband and wife, as Tenants by the Entirety.”
- The property’s legal description (copy this exactly from your current deed—not just the street address).
- A signed Certificate of Residence with your address.
Sign it in front of a notary—banks, UPS stores, or our office can notarize it for you. Since you’re transferring ownership, your husband doesn’t need to sign.
Step 5: Handle the Tax Paperwork
Pennsylvania requires a Statement of Value form with every deed. Good news: transfers between spouses are exempt from the 2% realty transfer tax. Just note “transfer between spouses” on the form and include proof of marriage (like a marriage certificate) if requested. We can double-check this to keep it hassle-free.
Step 6: Record the Deed
Bring your notarized Quitclaim Deed and Statement of Value to the Adams County Register and Recorder’s Office at 117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg. You can drop it off in person (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) or mail it. The recording fee is $75.00 for up to 4 pages and 4 names, plus $4.00 per extra page and $1.00 per extra name. Pay by cash or check (made out to “Adams County Recorder of Deeds”)—no credit cards accepted. E-recording isn’t an option yet, and your deed will be returned in about two weeks once recorded.
A Quick Note on Mortgages
Adding your husband to the deed doesn’t affect your mortgage—it stays in your name unless you refinance together. If you want him on the loan too, chat with your lender. We can explain how title and mortgage work together to avoid any surprises.
Why Record It—and How We Can Help
Recording the deed makes your husband’s ownership official in Adams County records, protecting his rights and your shared plans. Whether you need a deed drafted, notarized, or recorded, or just want us to handle it all, we at Capstone Land Transfer are here to save you time and stress.
Ready to add your husband to your deed? Contact us today for personalized support.
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