Granting Clause
Language that expressly transfers ownership, e.g., "I hereby grant and convey." This confirms the grantor's intent.
A gift deed documents a voluntary transfer of property ownership without sale proceeds and clarifies the parties' intent to convey. Recording the deed protects the grantee by establishing public notice and priority; notarization and accurate legal description reduce risk of rejection at the clerk’s office. For interjurisdictional or high-value transfers, combining a properly executed deed with legal review helps address tax, estate, and title issues.
Typical users include property owners, recipients, attorneys, title agents, and county clerks; each has a different role in preparation, execution, and recording.
Each participant should verify identity, confirm the legal property description, and follow county recording practices to ensure the deed becomes effective and enforceable.
Language that expressly transfers ownership, e.g., "I hereby grant and convey." This confirms the grantor's intent.
Metes-and-bounds or recorded parcel reference. Precise description required for recording and title insurance.
Full legal name and marital status if relevant; matches government ID used for notarization.
Full legal name and contact address; use exact spelling reflected on title documents.
Notary block or RON acknowledgement showing grantor's sworn signature; required for recording.
Signature line for grantor and, when applicable, spouse acknowledgment or witness signature lines.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Grantor Signature | Require signer authentication and notary field |
| Legal Description | Use required multiline text field |
| Execution Date | Auto-fill date with MM/DD/YYYY |
| Recording Notes | Optional internal field for recorder instructions |
Virginia permits remote online notarization and recognizes electronic records under ESIGN and state law; choose a platform that supports notarization and audit trails.
When using electronic workflows, retain complete audit logs and the certified document copy required for recording or future title review.
Date grantor signs; use MM/DD/YYYY
Record promptly to establish priority against later claims
Submit any state or local transfer forms per county rules
Update tax records after recording for billing accuracy
Consider timing for gift tax filings with IRS if applicable
The grantor is the legal owner of record and must have authority to transfer the property; authority may be limited by joint tenancy, community property, trust terms, or mortgage covenants and should be verified by title search or counsel.
The grantee accepts the conveyance but typically does not sign the grantor's deed; the grantee’s identity must be accurately recorded for title registration and tax reporting purposes.
An elderly parent transfers a vacation lot to an adult child to avoid probate.
An owner gifts a small rental parcel to a family trust during lifetime to consolidate ownership.
Prepare deed with legal description and review by counsel.
Confirm ownership and locate liens that might block the transfer.
Grantor signs before an in-person notary or during a RON session.
Submit deed and fees to the county clerk to index and file.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes, 7-day trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |