Deed transfers and title changes in New Jersey made simple

When a deed transfer makes sense

Not every property change involves a sale. Many clients come to Erik Mueller Law to add or remove a name from their property deed, transfer ownership after a divorce or inheritance, or move a property into an LLC or family trust. These situations may sound simple, but each has legal and tax implications that require careful handling.



Our Freehold office manages deed transfers for clients across Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties. Whether you’re transferring property between family members or updating a title for refinancing, we make sure the paperwork meets New Jersey recording requirements and local county standards.

Everything You Need to Know About Deed Transfers & Title Changes

01.

Reviewing Your Deed & Title

Before initiating a deed transfer, we review your current deed and title to confirm ownership details and identify any issues that need resolution. This step is crucial for ensuring that the transfer is legally sound and that there are no surprises when you sell or change ownership.



Tip: A clean title is critical — our thorough review prevents delays.

If you’re ready to transfer property, contact us for a title check today.

02.

Preparing the Deed for Transfer

Once ownership is confirmed, we prepare the appropriate deed (Quitclaim or Bargain and Sale) based on the transfer’s specifics. The deed clearly states the terms of the transfer and names the parties involved. Our office handles all the legal language to make sure the transfer is smooth and legally binding.


Tip: Different transfers require different deed types — we’ll ensure you use the correct one.

Ready to prepare your deed? Let us handle the paperwork for you.

03.

Signing & Notarizing

After the deed is drafted, it must be signed by the property owner(s) and notarized. Our office can coordinate the signing process and provide notarization, making sure everything is completed properly and in compliance with New Jersey law.



Tip: Notarization is essential for validity — we make it easy and efficient.

Contact us to schedule your signing and ensure proper notarization.

What we handle for deed transfers

We start by reviewing your existing deed and title to confirm ownership details. From there, we prepare a new deed—usually a Quitclaim Deed or Bargain and Sale Deed depending on your situation—then arrange signing and notarization. Afterward, we record the deed with the appropriate county clerk and verify it appears correctly in the public record.


This process typically takes only a few weeks once the documents are signed. For property owners making changes as part of a larger real estate transaction, visit New Jersey residential real estate law services for how deed work fits into the broader closing process.

Family and LLC transfers in New Jersey

If you’re transferring property between relatives, you may qualify for reduced or exempt Realty Transfer Fees under state law. We prepare the correct affidavits and ensure those exemptions are properly filed. For investors or property owners placing assets into an LLC, we draft the new deed, confirm the entity’s formation documents, and handle coordination with your lender if one is involved.

For transfers related to estate planning, our wills and advance directives page covers how property changes interact with simple wills and powers of attorney.

Common questions about deed transfers in NJ

  • Can I file a deed transfer myself?

    It’s possible, but county clerks reject deeds that don’t meet formatting or affidavit rules. Having an attorney ensures the transfer is executed and recorded correctly so ownership updates without delays.

  • What type of deed should I use?

    For family transfers or ownership corrections, a Quitclaim Deed is usually sufficient. For sales or arm’s-length transactions, a Bargain and Sale Deed or Warranty Deed provides more protection. We advise which is appropriate for your case.

  • How long does recording take?

    Once signed and filed, counties typically return recorded deeds within two to four weeks. We confirm recording and send you a copy for your records.

  • Are there taxes or fees for transferring property?

    New Jersey imposes a Realty Transfer Fee on most deeds, but many family or estate-related transfers qualify for exemptions. Our office completes the forms to apply those exemptions when available.