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.
Step 1: Check Your Current Deed
Start by confirming how your property is titled. Grab a copy of your deed from the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. 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 and Sign the Quitclaim Deed
Here’s what goes in the deed:
- You as the “grantor” (the one giving the interest).
- You and your wife as “grantees” (the new co-owners).
- The property’s legal description (copy this exactly from your current deed—not just the address).
- Wording like “to [Your Name] and [Wife’s Name], husband and wife, as Tenants by the Entirety.”
Sign it in front of a notary—banks, UPS stores, or our office can help. Since you’re the only one transferring ownership, your wife doesn’t need to sign.
Step 5: Handle the Tax Paperwork
Pennsylvania requires a Statement of Value form with every deed. The good news? Transfers between spouses are usually exempt from the 2% realty transfer tax. Just check the “transfer between spouses” box and include proof of marriage (like a marriage certificate) if asked. We can double-check this for you to keep it hassle-free.
Step 6: Record the Deed
Take your notarized Quitclaim Deed and Statement of Value to the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. Visit in person or use their e-recording service. The fee is about $70–$90, payable by cash, certified check, or money order (no personal checks). Once recorded, your wife’s name is officially on the deed!
A Quick Note on Mortgages
Adding your wife to the deed doesn’t affect the mortgage—it stays in your name unless you refinance together. If you want her on the loan too, talk to your lender. We can guide you on how title and mortgage work together to avoid surprises.
Why Record It—and How We Can Help
Recording the deed makes your wife’s ownership official in Lancaster County records, protecting her rights and your shared future. At Capstone Land Transfer, we’ve been simplifying title updates for years. Whether you need a deed drafted, notarized, or recorded, or just want us to handle it all, we’re here to save you time and worry.
Ready to add your wife to your deed? Contact us today for personalized support.
The information presented on this web site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The materials on the site for Zulli Law PLLC and Capstone Land Transfer, LLC (collectively ‘Capstone’) are given ‘as is.’ Capstone may revise its terms of use for its website at any time without notice. By using this site you are agreeing to be bound by the ten current versions of these Terms and Conditions of use. Copyright © 2025
