How to Fill Out Quick Claim Deeds in Illinois

A quitclaim deed, sometimes mistakenly called a "quick claim deed," can be used in Illinois to transfer property. Certain information must be included in it.

Illinois quitclaim deeds are typically used when property is being transferred between parties who know each other well. Quitclaim deeds make no guarantees that the land is free from debt, liens or other obligations, so they're not appropriate when you're selling property to someone you don't know. These deeds generally record transfers made between spouses or family members. If you accept property from an unknown individual via a quitclaim deed, you can't force the grantor to defend your right to title if problems later arise.

Ask your local county records office for a quitclaim deed form. You can either fill out the form or use it as a reference for drafting and filling out your own deed.

Identify each party and declare that you are conveying title to the land. If you're giving the land, you would write, “I, [your name and address] (hereinafter “Grantor”), for the consideration of [insert dollar amount paid for title] hereby convey and quit claim to [grantee’s name and address] (hereinafter “Grantee”) all interest in [property address including county].”

After you've identified the grantor and the grantee, give the address of the property. You'll also have to include a section that details its “legal” description. You can usually find this formation on the original deed to the property, or contact your county records office for the property's plat and survey records. Copy the description word for word.

Take the document to an Illinois notary public to have your signature witnessed. Illinois normally only requires that the grantor sign and date the deed, but check with the clerk of the county where the property is located to make sure.

Take the completed quitclaim deed to the county land records office and file a copy. This puts other people who may be interested in the property on notice that title now rests in the grantee. Retain a filed copy for yourself and give one to the grantee.