A quitclaim deed is a legal instrument that is used to transfer interest in real property. The entity transferring its interest is called the grantor, and when the quitclaim deed is properly completed and executed, it transfers any interest the grantor has in the property to a recipient, called the grantee.

What does execute a quit claim deed mean?

A quitclaim deed is often used to cure a defect (a "cloud on the title") in the recorded history of a real estate title. ... In this situation, the spouse of the past grantor can be asked to execute a quitclaim deed to the present owner, "quitclaiming" any interest they may have in the property.

What are the risks of a quit claim deed?

The biggest risk to using a quitclaim deed is that there are no guarantees of actual ownership, so you might not actually have a legal right to own the property. In a worst-case scenario, a grantor could transfer the property title to you and lie about being the true owner.