Homepage Attorney-Approved Deed Document Free Deed Template for the State of California

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The California Deed form is used to transfer ownership of real property from one party to another.
Types of Deeds Common types include Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, and Warranty Deed.
Governing Law The form is governed by California Civil Code Sections 880.020 to 880.550.
Signature Requirements The deed must be signed by the grantor, and notarization is recommended for it to be recorded.
Recording To protect the interests of the new owner, the deed should be recorded with the county recorder's office.
Transfer Tax A documentary transfer tax may apply when the property is transferred.
Legal Description The deed must include a legal description of the property being transferred.

Sample - California Deed Form

California Grant Deed

This Grant Deed is executed in accordance with the California Civil Code Section 2720 et seq. It conveys real property located in the state of California.

Grantor: _______________________ (Name of Seller)
Address: _______________________ (Address of Seller)
City, State, Zip Code: _______________________

Grantee: _______________________ (Name of Buyer)
Address: _______________________ (Address of Buyer)
City, State, Zip Code: _______________________

Property Description:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Consideration: The sum of $____________ (Amount of Sale) is acknowledged as the consideration for this conveyance.

Signatures:

  1. _______________________ (Signature of Grantor)
  2. _______________________ (Signature of Grantee)

Date: _______________________

Notary Public:

State of California
County of _______________________

On this _____ day of ___________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared ____________ (Name of Grantor) and ____________ (Name of Grantee), known to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that they executed the same.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

_______________________
Notary Public Signature
My Commission Expires: _______________________

Common mistakes

Filling out a California Deed form can be straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. One frequent error is failing to include the correct legal description of the property. This description should be precise and match the information on the property’s title. If it’s incorrect, it could create issues with ownership down the line.

Another mistake is not signing the deed properly. All parties involved in the transfer of the property must sign the document. If even one signature is missing, the deed may be considered invalid. It’s essential to ensure that signatures are clear and that they match the names listed on the form.

People often overlook the need for a notary public. In California, most deeds must be notarized to be legally binding. Failing to have the deed notarized can result in it being rejected when filed with the county recorder’s office. It’s a simple step that shouldn’t be skipped.

Additionally, many individuals forget to check the filing requirements. Each county may have specific rules regarding how deeds should be submitted. Not adhering to these requirements can lead to unnecessary complications. Always verify what your local county requires before submitting the form.

Lastly, some people neglect to keep a copy of the completed deed for their records. Once the deed is recorded, it becomes a public document, but having a personal copy is important for your own records. This can be useful for future reference or if any disputes arise regarding the property.