A step by step guide on removing your ex wife from your deed in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. You’ll need to follow a process involving legal steps to transfer the property ownership into your name alone. If your ex-wife’s name is still listed on the property deed, it’s important to take steps to remove her name to reflect your new legal ownership status. This is crucial for both legal clarity and future financial transactions like refinancing or selling the property.
The Seven Steps
Step 1: Obtain a Copy of the Deed:
First, you’ll need a copy of the current deed to the property. You can obtain this from the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds office.
Step 2: Determine Ownership Agreement:
Make sure the divorce settlement or court order specifies how the property should be divided or transferred. If you and your ex-wife have agreed that the property will be transferred to you, ensure the necessary documentation is in place to show that.
Step 3: Prepare a New Deed
To legally remove your ex-wife’s name, you’ll need to draft a new deed, sometimes known as a Quitclaim Deed. In Pennsylvania, this is often done using a Quitclaim Deed. A Quitclaim Deed is a simple document that transfers any interest your ex-wife may still have in the property to you. Both you and your ex-wife will need to sign the deed in front of a notary.
Step 4: Sign the Deed:
Both parties (you and your ex-wife) must sign the deed. Her signature must be notarized, which means you’ll need to have it witnessed by a notary public.
Step 5: File the Deed with the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds:
Once the deed is signed, it must be filed with the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. This ensures the transfer of ownership is legally recognized and recorded. There will be a small fee associated with filing the deed, and you’ll need to provide the original deed for recording.
Step 6: Get Updated Records:
Once the deed is filed, you should obtain a copy of the newly recorded deed to ensure your name is the only one listed as the property owner.
Step 7: Consult an Attorney if Needed
If you encounter any issues, such as if your ex-wife is refusing to sign the deed, it may be wise to consult a real estate attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Conclusion
Removing your ex-wife’s name from the deed is an important step in finalizing your divorce settlement and ensuring that your property ownership is legally clear. By following these steps and recording the deed with the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds, you can avoid future complications. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, seeking legal assistance can help ensure everything is handled properly.
For help with removing your ex-wife from your deed, contact Capstone Land Transfer at 717-857-7772.
