Going through a divorce is tough, and removing your ex-husband’s name from your property deed is a key step to moving forward in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Whether you’re in Reading, Shillington, or Hamburg, this process ensures you have full ownership of your home, making it easier to sell, refinance, or simply gain peace of mind. At Capstone Land Transfer, we’re here to simplify it for you. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to removing your ex-husband from your deed in Berks County.
Step 1: Obtain a Copy of the Deed
Begin by getting a copy of your current deed to see how the property is titled. You can pick one up at the Berks County Recorder of Deeds Office at 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601, or access it online through their portal at Berks County Recorder of Deeds. The deed will show if it’s just you and your ex-husband or if others are listed, and whether it’s held as “tenants by the entirety” or another form.
Step 2: Check the Divorce Agreement
Look at your divorce settlement or court order to confirm who gets the property. If the Berks County Court of Common Pleas awarded you the house, that document is your proof that your ex-husband must transfer his share. Keep it handy, as it shows his obligation to give up his interest. If the agreement isn’t clear, you may need to consult your attorney to sort it out.
Step 3: Prepare a New Deed
To remove your ex-husband’s name, you’ll need what is sometimes called a Quitclaim Deed, the go-to document in Pennsylvania for transferring property interest. This lets him sign over any claim to the property to you. Your Quitclaim Deed should include:
- Your name as the sole owner and your current marital status (grantee).
- Your ex-husband’s name as the one transferring his share (grantor).
- The property’s legal description (copy it exactly from the current deed).
- A reference to the divorce (e.g., “Per divorce decree, Case #123, Berks County Court of Common Pleas”).
Templates are available online, but we at Capstone Land Transfer suggest having a professional review it to avoid errors.
Step 4: Sign the Deed
You and your ex-husband must sign the Quitclaim Deed in front of a notary public, as Pennsylvania requires notarization for deeds. Notaries are available at local banks, UPS stores, or our office in Berks County. If he’s cooperative, this step is quick. If he’s not, see Step 7 for what to do next.
Step 5: File the Deed with the Berks County Recorder of Deeds
Take the signed, notarized Quitclaim Deed to the Berks County Recorder of Deeds Office in Reading. As of 2025, the recording fee is $86.75 for a standard deed, plus $2 per additional page or name after the first four. You’ll also need:
- Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value (Form REV-183): Divorce-related transfers are usually exempt from the 2% state and local transfer tax, but this form confirms the exemption.
- Certificate of Residence: Include your address as the grantee on the deed.
Berks County accepts in-person, mail-in, or e-recording submissions (via Simplifile or CSC). Processing takes about 2-3 weeks, and you’ll receive the recorded deed afterward.
Step 6: Get Updated Records
Once recorded, request a copy of the updated deed from the Recorder of Deeds Office. This document proves you’re the sole owner, which is essential for future transactions like selling or refinancing. Keep it in a safe place, and consider a title search through Capstone Land Transfer to confirm the title is clear.
Step 7: Consult an Attorney if Needed
If your ex-wife refuses to sign the Quitclaim Deed despite the divorce decree, don’t worry. You can return to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas to enforce the order. A judge may compel her to sign or issue a court order transferring the property to you, which can then be recorded. A real estate attorney can navigate this process, and we can recommend trusted local professionals.
A Few Extra Tips
- Mortgage Note: Removing your ex-wife from the deed doesn’t affect the mortgage. If you’re both on the loan, you’ll need to refinance to remove her name, so check with your lender.
- Berks County Specifics: Deeds must be on standard 8.5×11 paper, clearly typed, and include the property’s tax parcel number (find it on your tax bill or current deed). Berks County also requires a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed returns.
Why Choose Capstone Land Transfer?
Removing your ex-wife from your deed in Berks County is a big step toward a fresh start. By following these steps and filing with the Berks County Recorder of Deeds, you’re securing your property’s future. Need assistance with forms, notarization, or recording? Capstone Land Transfer has you covered with local expertise and personalized service.
Contact us today and let’s make this process smooth and stress-free!
