Deed Preparation

A deed is more than just a document- it’s what legally establishes who owns real estate. Whether you’re adding a family member to a property, transferring ownership into a trust, or updating your estate plan, it’s essential that your deed is prepared and recorded correctly.

At Holt Legacy Law, we prepare and record deeds throughout Maryland to ensure your property transfers are valid, compliant, and fully aligned with your estate planning goals.

What a Deed Does

A deed is a legal instrument that transfers ownership of real property from one person or entity to another. It must be drafted carefully, signed with the correct formalities, and recorded in the land records office of the county where the property is located.

When done incorrectly, even small mistakes, such as a missing signature, incorrect legal description, or wrong ownership form, can cause title issues, delays, or unintended tax consequences.

At Holt Legacy Law, we make sure every step is handled with precision, from drafting to recording.

Common Reasons for Deed Preparation

Clients often come to us when they need to:

• Add or remove a spouse or family member from a property title

• Transfer a property into a revocable trust or irrevocable trust

• Create a life estate deed to allow someone to remain in a property for life

• Transfer ownership as part of estate or Medicaid planning

• Correct or update an old deed that contains errors

Each of these transfers carries unique legal and tax implications. Our goal is to make sure your property is titled in a way that supports, not undermines, your overall estate plan.

Learn more about how revocable trusts work »

Types of Deeds We Prepare

We prepare and record all common deed types used in Maryland, including:

Quitclaim Deeds
Transfer ownership without making warranties about the title. Common for transfers between family members or into a trust.

General Warranty Deeds
Provide the strongest protection for buyers, guaranteeing the grantor holds clear title to the property.

Life Estate Deeds
Allow someone to remain in a property for life while transferring ownership to another person (remainderman). Often used in estate and Medicaid planning.

Deeds into Trust
Transfer ownership from an individual to a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and streamline administration.

Each type of deed serves a different purpose, and we’ll help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Why Proper Deed Preparation Matters

Real estate is often a family’s most valuable asset. Errors in a deed can lead to:

• Problems selling or refinancing property later

• Disputes over ownership

• Unintended gift or recordation taxes

• Delays in estate administration or probate

Our firm ensures that every deed is drafted correctly, properly executed, and recorded with the appropriate county land records office. We also verify that your new ownership structure fits seamlessly into your estate plan.

How Holt Legacy Law Can Help

At Holt Legacy Law, we handle the entire process, from drafting to recording, so you don’t have to worry about legal or procedural errors.

We will:

• Review your goals and determine the correct type of deed

• Draft the deed in compliance with Maryland law

• Coordinate signatures, notarization, and witnesses

• Record the deed with the appropriate county office

• Ensure your transfer aligns with your estate or trust documents

Our attention to detail helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures your property passes exactly as you intend.

Start Planning Today

Whether you’re transferring your home into a trust or helping a loved one update their deed, we’ll make sure the process is smooth and legally sound.