quitclaim

American  

[kwit-kleym] / ˈkwɪtˌkleɪm /

noun

Law.

1. a transfer of all one's interest, as in a parcel of real estate, especially without a warranty of title.

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verb (used with object)

1. to quit or give up claim to (a possession, right, etc.).

quitclaim British  

/ ˈkwɪtˌkleɪm /

noun

1. a formal renunciation of any claim against a person or of a right to land

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verb

1. (tr)

   1. to renounce (a claim) formally

   2. to declare (a person) free from liability

Etymology

Origin of quitclaim

1275–1325; Middle English quitclayme < Anglo-French quiteclame, derivative of quiteclamer to declare quit. See quit ¹ (adj.), claim

Compare meaning

How does quitclaim compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• quitclaim vs. warranty deed

Explanation

A quitclaim is an act of giving up your ownership of a property and transferring it to another person. If your grandmother signs her house over to your dad, that's a quitclaim. The legal term quitclaim can be used generally to mean "abandoning any claim on a property," or more specifically for a type of legal document that does the same thing. A quitclaim allows a person to transfer property to another person with a simple deed. The basic idea is that all the rights and claims of being a property owner are relinquished and legally turned over to someone else.

Example Sentences

If you’re going through a divorce, planning your estate or getting married and need to transfer real estate property, a quitclaim deed may be your best alternative.

From Encyclopedia.com • Mar. 21, 2018

When you fill out a quitclaim deed, there will always be a grantor and grantee.

From Encyclopedia.com • Mar. 21, 2018

You can find a free quitclaim deed form online by choosing your favorite search engine and conducting a search.

From Encyclopedia.com • Mar. 21, 2018

As with virtually all property ownership instruments in the current real estate market, a quitclaim deed does not represent a surety of title.

From Encyclopedia.com • Feb. 5, 2018

Mother, you know how earnestly I protested against your signing that quitclaim deed.

From Make or Break or, The Rich Man's Daughter by Optic, Oliver