Whether you’re newly married, planning for the future, or just want to share ownership of your home, adding your wife to your deed is a smart move. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to adding your wife to your deed as an Adams County resident.
Step 1: Check Your Current Deed
Start by confirming how your property is titled. Grab a copy of your deed from the Adams County Register and Recorder’s Office in Gettysburg or check online! Is it just in your name? Are there other owners or liens? Knowing this upfront ensures a smooth process.
Step 2: Pick the Right Deed Form
In Pennsylvania, the easiest way to add someone to a deed is usually with what is sometimes called a Quitclaim Deed. It’s the go-to for spousal transfers because it’s simple and quick. This handy document lets you transfer an interest in your property to her without changing the mortgage.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Hold Title Together
You’ve got options for how you and your wife will own the property:
- Tenants by the Entirety: The default for married couples in PA. If one spouse passes away, the other automatically gets full ownership. It also offers some creditor protection.
- Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship: Similar, but not exclusive to spouses. Ownership passes to the survivor.
- Tenants in Common: You each own a share (e.g., 50/50), and it doesn’t automatically pass to the other if one dies.
Most couples choose Tenants by the Entirety for its benefits. Not sure what’s best? We’re happy to explain how each fits your situation.
Step 4: Fill Out the Quitclaim Deed
Complete the Quitclaim Deed with:
- Yourself as the “grantor” (the one transferring rights).
- You and your wife as “grantees” (the new co-owners), specifying your chosen ownership type (e.g., “as tenants by the entirety”).
- The property’s legal description (found on your current deed).
Our team at Capstone Land Transfer can provide a form tailored to Pennsylvania standards.
Step 5: Sign and Notarize
You’ll need to sign the deed in front of a notary—think local banks, UPS stores, or our office in Adams County. Your wife doesn’t typically need to sign unless she’s already on the deed in some capacity.
Step 6: Prepare for Recording
Along with the notarized deed, you’ll need a Pennsylvania Statement of Value form (available at adamscounty.us or the Register and Recorder’s Office). Spousal transfers are often exempt from transfer taxes—just note “spousal transfer” and attach proof of marriage (like a marriage certificate) if requested. We can help confirm your exemption to avoid surprises.
Step 7: Record the Deed
Bring the notarized Quitclaim Deed and Statement of Value to the Adams County Register and Recorder’s Office in Gettysburg. Submit in person or check if e-recording is an option. The recording fee is usually $70–$90, payable by cash, check, or money order. Once recorded, your wife is officially on the deed!
A Few Extra Notes
Adding your wife to the deed doesn’t change the mortgage—if it’s in your name only, you’re still the sole borrower. Want her on the loan too? That’s a refinance, and we can walk you through it. Also, if there are liens or other title issues, we’ll spot them early and help resolve them.
Why It Matters—and How We Can Help
Putting your wife on the deed strengthens your shared ownership and simplifies future planning. Whether you need a deed prepared, notarized, or recorded, or just want us to handle it all, Capstone Land Transfer is here to make it seamless for you.
Contact us today for personalized support!
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