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Free Quit Claim Deed Form — Alabama
Use this free Alabama quit claim deed form to transfer real property between individuals, family members, corporations, or trusts. In Alabama, deeds are recorded with the Probate Court (Judge of Probate) in the county where the property is located. Alabama requires either notarization or two witnesses on the deed. A transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of value is due at the time of recording.
Common Uses for a Quit Claim Deed in Alabama
Quit claim deeds are most often used in Alabama to transfer property between family members, such as a parent transferring a home to an adult child or siblings dividing an inherited parcel. Divorcing spouses use them to remove one spouse from a shared title after a settlement. Alabama residents who own property personally often use a quit claim deed to transfer that property into a revocable living trust, which can help the estate avoid probate. Adding a new spouse to an existing title after marriage is another frequent use. Business owners also use quit claim deeds to convey personally owned real estate into a partnership or LLC.
Alabama Quit Claim Deed Form
Alabama Quit Claim Deed Form
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Your deed needs to be notarized before recording
All quit claim deeds must be notarized to be legally valid. Notarize online from your phone or computer — no travel required, available 24/7.
Alabama Quit Claim Deed Requirements
Before recording a quit claim deed in Alabama, make sure the document meets these requirements:
- ✓Deed must be in writing and signed by the grantor(s)
- ✓Grantor's signature must be notarized OR attested by two witnesses
- ✓Property must be identified by its legal description
- ✓Deed must name the grantor(s) and grantee(s) by full legal name
- ✓Must be recorded with the Probate Court (Judge of Probate) in the county of the property
- ✓Alabama transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value is due at recording
- ✓Recording fees are paid at time of filing
After You Record Your Deed in Alabama
After the Judge of Probate records your deed, the original document is returned to the grantee or the person listed in the return address on the deed. Recording times vary by county, from same-day over-the-counter filing to several weeks for mailed submissions. The Probate Court updates the official land records, and the county property tax records are updated by the county assessor based on the recorded deed. The grantee is responsible for property taxes from the date of transfer. Keep the recorded deed in a secure location as it is your primary proof of ownership.
Alabama Quit Claim Deed FAQ
Does a quit claim deed need to be notarized in Alabama?
Yes. In Alabama, a quit claim deed must be either acknowledged before a notary public or attested by two witnesses before it can be recorded with the Probate Court. Most people choose notarization because it is simpler to arrange. Online notarization through a service like NotaryLive is accepted in Alabama.
Where do I record a quit claim deed in Alabama?
You file the deed with the Judge of Probate in the county where the property is located. Unlike most states, Alabama uses the Probate Court rather than a county recorder for land records. Recording fees vary by county.
Is there a transfer tax in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama imposes a real estate transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of value (or fraction thereof) at the time of recording. The tax is calculated on the purchase price or fair market value of the property being transferred. Certain transfers, including those with no actual consideration (such as gifts between family members), may still require payment based on fair market value unless an exemption applies.
Can I use a quit claim deed to transfer property to a family member in Alabama?
Yes. Transferring property between family members is one of the most common uses of quit claim deeds in Alabama. Whether you are gifting property to a child, transferring it to a trust, or settling a divorce, a quit claim deed accomplishes the transfer. Confirm with a local attorney whether any gift tax or transfer tax exemptions apply to your specific situation.
What is a legal description and where do I find it in Alabama?
A legal description is the formal language that uniquely identifies a parcel of real property using lot and block numbers (for subdivision property) or metes and bounds measurements (for rural and older property). You can find the legal description on your current deed, your title insurance commitment, or through the county Probate Court records. A street address alone is not a valid legal description for a deed in Alabama.
Are there exemptions to the Alabama transfer tax?
Alabama law provides limited exemptions to the real estate transfer tax. Transfers to a government entity, transfers in connection with a corporate reorganization, and certain other transactions may qualify for an exemption. Transfers between spouses and some family transfers may also be exempt. You should confirm with the Probate Court or a local real estate attorney before assuming an exemption applies.
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