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Drafting the Deed
North Carolina deeds must be drafted to comply with the following requirements:
- Paper size must be 8.5″ by 11″ OR 8.5″ by 14.”[1]
- Deeds require a 3″ margin on top of the first page and a 0.5″ margin on top of all subsequent pages and on all sides and bottoms.[2]
- Must be typed in black ink on white paper using no less than 9-point font.[3]
- The signature of the grantor must be notarized.[4]
Recording the Deed
After drafting and notarizing the deed, it must be taken to the Register of Deeds for recording.[5] Recording fees vary depending on the number of pages. To date, the fees are $26 for the first 15 pages plus $4 for each additional page.[6]
Important Terms
Life Estate: A divided ownership arrangement in which a “life tenant” is granted the legal right to occupy and use the property for their lifetime, after which the property passes to the remainderman.
Grantor: The individual who transfers the property to the grantee. Often, the grantor and the life tenant are the same person.
Life Tenant: The person entitled to use and enjoy the property for their lifetime. Although they hold ownership benefits, they cannot sell the property without the remainderman’s consent.
Remainderman (Grantee): The individual designated by the grantor to inherit the property once the life tenant dies.