A Virginia quit claim deed is the instrument used to transfer property without the inclusion of warranties or covenants protecting the transferee against encumbrances. While a quit claim deed may be impractical for most home purchases, it is a convenient solution when buyer protection is not an important factor.
Conveyances between spouses or a parent and child are commonly made with a quit claim deed as the title’s history is usually known. Quit claim deeds can also be used to correct an error from a previous deed, such as a misspelling or a missing signature. A quit claim deed with the proper formatting requirements may be recorded with the county clerk; this is a process known as “curing” or “perfecting” the title.
- Statute: § 55.1-363
- Formatting: § 17.1-223, § 17.1-227, § 55.1-300, § 55.1-604. Formatting standards may vary per county (see Fairfax County).
- Cover Sheet (§ 17.1-227.1): Must be included as the first page of a deed to meet filing requirements.
- Signing Requirements (§ 55.1-600 & § 55.1-612): Notary Public or Two (2) Witnesses
- Where to Record: County Circuit Court Clerk
- Recording Fees (§ 17.1-275(2)):
- $18 for documents of ten (10) or fewer pages, $32 for documents of eleven (11) to thirty (30) pages, and $52 for documents of thirty-one pages or more.
- Virginia Deed Fees and Taxes Calculator