Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Missouri
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Missouri, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: A deed must be signed by the grantor (or a lawful agent), acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and state whether each individual grantor is married or unmarried. RSMo §§ 442.130, 442.150, 59.310
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be signed by the grantor (or a lawful agent), acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and state whether each individual grantor is married or unmarried. It is recorded with the county recorder of deeds; the first page must show the title, date, grantor names and marital status, grantee names, statutory addresses and legal description, with a 3-inch top margin. No state real estate transfer tax provision was identified in the sections reviewed. Source: RSMo §§ 442.130, 442.150, 59.310 |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes (beneficiary deed). The deed must expressly state that it does not take effect until the owner's death and must be executed and recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located before the owner's death. No consideration or delivery to the beneficiary is required. A beneficiary designation may be revoked or changed during the owner's lifetime, but not by will unless the designation expressly allows it. Source: RSMo §§ 461.025, 461.033 |
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Missouri?
A deed must be signed by the grantor (or a lawful agent), acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and state whether each individual grantor is married or unmarried. It is recorded with the county recorder of deeds; the first page must show the title, date, grantor names and marital status, grantee names, statutory addresses and legal description, with a 3-inch top margin.
Does Missouri allow transfer-on-death deeds?
Yes (beneficiary deed). The deed must expressly state that it does not take effect until the owner's death and must be executed and recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located before the owner's death. No consideration or delivery to the beneficiary is required. A beneficiary designation may be revoked or changed during the owner's lifetime, but not by will unless the designation expressly allows it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.