How do I file a quitclaim deed in California?

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1. Quitclaim vs Warranty Deed   A California quitclaim conveys only whatever interest the grantor happens to own, with no warranties of title. A grant deed (California's typical "warranty" deed) implies the grantor has not previously conveyed the property and that no undisclosed encumbrances exist (Cal. Civ. Code § 1113).    2. Common Uses   Interspousal transfers, divorce property settlements, gifts to family members, transfers into revocable living trusts, and clearing clouds on title (removing a former spouse, heir, or mistaken claimant).    3. Execution Formalities   The grantor must sign in front of a California notary (Cal. Civ. Code § 1185). California does not require witnesses. The notarial certificate uses the all-purpose acknowledgment form with the California-specific disclaimer language.    4. Required Contents   Grantor and grantee names with vesting (e.g., "as joint tenants"), full legal description (lot/block or metes-and-bounds — not just the street address), words of conveyance ("does hereby remise, release, and quitclaim"), and a consideration recital (often "$10 and other good and valuable consideration" or "love and affection").    5. Recording   Record at the county recorder's office where the property is located (Cal. Gov. Code § 27279). Fees run roughly $20-$25 for the first page plus $3 per additional page, plus the Building Homes & Jobs Act fee (Gov. Code § 27388.1) on non-exempt transfers. Attach a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR).    6. Transfer Tax   Documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of consideration (R&T § 11911); interspousal, parent-child reassessment-exclusion, and trust transfers are typically exempt — claim the exemption on the deed face.    7. Title Insurance Limits   Most California title insurers will not extend coverage based on a bare quitclaim without further underwriting.    8. Pitfalls   A quitclaim does NOT release the grantor from mortgage liability and does not transfer the loan. Due-on-sale may be triggered, though the federal Garn-St. Germain Act (12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3) shields certain intra-family and trust transfers of 1-4 unit residences.    9. Special Local Rules   California-specific: Proposition 19 (2021) sharply restricts the parent-child reassessment exclusion — claim it via BOE-19-P within 3 years.  This is legal information, not legal advice.