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California Rescission Deed

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CALIFORNIA DEED OF RESCISSION
[Individual to Individual]

Control Number: CA-030-78

I. TIPS ON COMPLETING THE FORMS

The form(s) in this packet may contain “form fields” created using Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (“.pdf” format). “Form fields” facilitate completion of the forms using your computer. They do not limit your ability to print the form “in blank” and complete with a typewriter or by hand.

It is also helpful to be able to see the location of the form fields. Go to the View menu, click on Toolbars, and then select Forms. This will open the Forms toolbar. Look for the button on the Forms toolbar that resembles a shaded letter “a”. Click this button and the form fields will be visible.

By clicking on the appropriate form field, you will be able to enter the needed information. In some instances, the form field and the line will disappear after information is entered. In other cases, it will not. The form was created to function in this manner.

II. BASIS OF EXEMPTION FROM TRANSFER TAX

The following is a list of real estate transactions that are exempt from the documentary transfer tax:

  1. Conveyance Confirming Title in Grantee:

    “This conveyance confirms title to the grantee(s) who continue to hold the same interest acquired on Date , Document No. wherein $ Documentary Transfer Tax was paid, R & T 11911.”

  2. Conveyance in Dissolution of Marriage:

    “This conveyance is in dissolution of marriage by one spouse to the other, R & T 11927.”

  3. Conveyance to Secure a Debt:

    “This conveyance is to secure a debt, R & T 11921.”

  4. Reconveyance upon Satisfaction of a Debt:

    “This is a reconveyance of realty upon satisfaction of a debt, R & T 11921.”

  5. Conveyances transferring Interests into or out of a Living Trust:

    “This conveyance transfers an interest into or out of a Living Trust, R & T 11930.”

  6. Conveyance Changing Manner in Which Title is Held:

    “This conveyance changes the manner in which title is held, grantor(s) and grantee(s) remain the same and continue to hold the same proportionate interest, R & T 11911.”

  7. Court Ordered Conveyances Not Pursuant to Sale:

    “This is a court-ordered conveyance or decree that is not pursuant to sale, R & T 11911.”

  8. Conveyance Given for No Value:

    “This is a bonafide gift and the grantor received nothing in return, R & T 11911.”

  9. Conveyance to Establish Sole and Separate Property of a Spouse:

    “This conveyance establishes sole and separate property of a spouse, R & T 11911.”

  10. Conveyance to Confirm a Community Property Interest when property was purchased with Community Property Funds:

    “This conveyance confirms a community property interest, which was purchased with Community Property Funds, R & T 11911.”

  11. Conveyances to Confirm a Change of Name:

    “This conveyance confirms a change of name, and the grantor and grantee are the same party, R & T 11911.”

  12. Conveyances of an Easement or Oil and Gas Lease Where the Consideration and Value is Less Than $100.00:

    “This is a conveyance of an easement (Oil and Gas Lease) and the consideration and value is less than $100.00, R & T 11911.”

  13. Conveyances Where the Liens and Encumbrances Are Equal or More Than the Value of Property, and No Further Consideration is Given:

    “The value of the property in this conveyance, exclusive of liens and encumbrances is $100.00 or less, and there is no additional consideration received by the grantor, R & T 11911.”

  14. Conveyances from a Trustee Under a Land Contract at the Consummation of the Contract:

    “This is a conveyance of equitable title from a trustee, under a land contract, to the vendee at the consummation of the contract, R & T 11911.”

  15. Conveyance from Individual(s)/Legal Entity(ies) to Individual(s)/Legal Entity(ies) Where the Grantors and Grantees Are Comprised of the Same Parties, and Parties Continue to Hold the Same Proportionate Interest.

    (Exception: Dissolution of a Partnership. R & T 11925[b]): “The grantors and the grantees in this conveyance are comprised of the same parties who continue to hold the same proportionate interest in the property, R & T 11925(d).”

NOTE: IF the transfer qualifies for exemption under one of the above categories, this should be noted on the face of the deed in the space provided. For example:

This transfer is exempt from the documentary transfer tax based on:

This conveyance is in dissolution of marriage by one spouse to the other, R & T 11927.

III. Note re “Grantor” vs. “Grantee”

Paragraph Two of the deed begins:

NOW, THEREFORE, the said Grantor, , an Individual

The Grantor referred to in this section is the Grantee in the deed being rescinded. For example, if A sold the “property” to B in the original deed, A is the Grantor and B is the Grantee. But, if A and B agree to rescind that transfer, B becomes the Grantor and A the Grantee.

IV. DISCLAIMER

These materials were developed by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. based upon statutes and forms for the subject state. All information and Forms are subject to this Disclaimer:

All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem, we suggest that you consult an attorney in your state. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. OR ITS AGENTS OR OFFICERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE MATERIALS, EVEN IF U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.


DEED OF RESCISSION

[Individual to Individual]

Recording requested by:

And, when recorded, mail this deed and tax statements to:

Name:

City, State and Zip:

Telephone:

DEED OF RESCISSION

[Individual to Individual]

TRA:

APN:

This transfer is exempt from the documentary transfer tax based on:

The documentary transfer tax is $

City Tax, if any: $

County Tax, if any: $

and is computed on:

the full value of the property conveyed.

the full value less the liens and encumbrances remaining thereon at the time of sale

The property is located in an unincorporated area the city of

THAT WHEREAS , an individual of the County of , State of did on or about the day of , , execute and deliver to , an individual, a conveyance of certain lands, situated in County , State of California, and recorded in Volume , Page , or as Instrument No. , of the Deed Records of County , California, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein for any and all purposes, and this being the conveyance which the parties now wish to rescind; and whereas, it being mutually agreed that it is appropriate to rescind said conveyance for all purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, the said Grantor, , an individual, in consideration of the premises aforesaid, does hereby grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto , an individual, of the County of , State of , hereinafter Grantee, all of the tract of land situated in the County of , State of , which is more particularly described in the said Exhibit “A”.

AND THE SAID Grantor will only warrant and forever defend the right and title to the above described property unto the said Grantee against the claims of persons claiming through or under Grantor, but against no other claims or encumbrances of any kind.

This is a deed of rescission, given and accepted as such in order to rescind said earlier deed dated on the day of , 20 , and it shall be effectual as of and retroactive to such date.

EXECUTED this day of , 20

Signature of Grantor

Type or Print Name

State of California

County of

On , 20 before me,

(here insert name and title of the officer), personally appeared ,

who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his authorized capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument the person, or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature

(Seal)

EXHIBIT A

ATTACH THE ORIGINAL DEED AND LABEL IN THE SAME MANNER AS THIS EXHIBIT

Enter text✕

What a California Rescission Deed Is and when it applies

A California Rescission Deed is a legal instrument used to cancel, rescind, or nullify a previously executed deed or conveyance affecting real property in California. It identifies the original deed, the parties, and the specific legal description being rescinded, and typically includes a clear operative clause stating that the original transfer is void ab initio. The document is usually notarized and recorded with the county recorder to provide public notice and to clear title or correct conveyancing errors.

Why a rescission deed matters for clear title and dispute prevention

A rescission deed creates an explicit record that a prior transfer is undone, which helps clear title issues, support corrective recordings, and reduce future disputes. For enforceability it must identify the original instrument, show mutual consent or court order, and meet California recording and notarization standards under state law.

Why a rescission deed matters for clear title and dispute prevention

Who commonly prepares or signs a California Rescission Deed

Typical users include property owners, title companies, escrow officers, and attorneys who manage corrective conveyances or title curative work.

  • Property owners or grantors seeking to undo an earlier transfer and restore prior ownership or clear an inadvertent conveyance.
  • Title companies and escrow agents resolving title exceptions or facilitating reconveyances and curative recordings for closings.
  • Real estate and transactional attorneys preparing careful legal descriptions, drafting operative language, and certifying mutual rescission or court orders.

In contested cases parties may record a rescission deed by agreement or obtain a judicial decree; seek legal counsel for disputes or complex chains of title.

Core elements to include in a professional Rescission Deed

A complete rescission deed is structured to minimize ambiguity and recording rejections. Include precise references to the original deed, an unambiguous operative clause, accurate legal description, notarization, signature blocks, and recording instructions for the county recorder.

Record Reference

Cite book/page or instrument number of the document being rescinded, plus recording county to tie the rescission to the original.

Parties Identified

Full legal names for grantor(s) and grantee(s) as they appear on the original deed to avoid mismatches in title records.

Legal Description

Use the identical legal description from the original deed (lot, tract, assessor parcel number) to ensure the same parcel is referenced.

Operative Language

A clear clause stating the original instrument is rescinded and of no further force or effect, with the effective date of rescission.

Notary Acknowledgment

A proper notary block that complies with California acknowledgement forms and includes signer identity verification.

Recording Instructions

Specify the county recorder's office for filing and provide return-to address and any document transfer tax or fee info for submission.

Step-by-step: preparing and recording a Rescission Deed

Follow these steps in sequence to prepare, execute, and record a rescission deed that will be accepted by title companies and county recorders.

  • 01
    Identify the original deed: Locate recorded instrument number and exact legal description to reference.
  • 02
    Draft operative language: State that the original deed is rescinded and specify the effective date.
  • 03
    Execute before a notary: All required parties sign with a notary acknowledgment consistent with California rules.
  • 04
    Record with county: Submit the signed deed to the county recorder with any required fees and return address.

Where to send, file, and how the recording process flows

Recording a rescission deed creates public notice and typically involves county recorders, title companies, and the parties involved in the prior conveyance.

  • Prepare and notarize: Draft the deed referencing the original instrument and obtain notarial acknowledgement from all required signers.
  • Submit to recorder: Deliver the executed deed and recording fee to the county recorder where the property is located.
  • Title company review: Provide the recorded rescission to the title company so they can update title commitments and clear exceptions.
  • Retain copies: Keep certified copy of the recorded instrument and update escrow and client files for future reference.

Using electronic tools and notarization for rescission deeds

Digital drafting and e-signature tools can streamline preparation, but execution and recording must satisfy California notarization and recording rules.

  • Document formats: PDF or PDF/A preferred for consistency with county recorder requirements.
  • eSignature suitability: Electronic signatures can be used for drafting and parties' consent, but notary acknowledgement rules still apply.
  • RON considerations: If a state permits Remote Online Notarization, confirm county and recorder acceptance before use.

Verify with the target county recorder whether electronically notarized documents, RON acknowledgements, or original wet-ink pages are required prior to submission.

Essential data elements required on a Rescission Deed

Grantor Name: Exact legal name
Grantee Name: Exact legal name
Instrument Reference: Book/page or recorder number
Legal Description: Full parcel description
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Notary Block: State-compliant acknowledgement

Consequences of drafting or recording errors

Recording Rejection: Requires re-filing
Title Clouding: Continues lien or defect
Tax Consequences: Unresolved transfers may affect tax reporting
Liability Risk: Potential claims from parties
Delayed Closings: Impacts escrow and sales
Court Proceedings: May require quiet title action

Common pitfalls to avoid when preparing a rescission deed

  • Referencing an incorrect instrument number or mistaken legal description, which leads to recorder rejection or creates ambiguity in title records.
  • Using abbreviations or shortened names for parties that do not match the recorded deed, requiring corrective affidavits or re-execution.
  • Failing to obtain all required signatures or notary acknowledgments, potentially rendering the rescission ineffective against third parties.
  • Assuming an e-signed rescission is acceptable without verifying county recorder and notary rules for electronic acknowledgements or RON acceptance.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

These practices reduce re-filings, title exceptions, and downstream disputes when rescinding a recorded conveyance.

Validate original recording
Confirm the exact recorded instrument reference and copy the legal description verbatim from the official county record to avoid mismatched parcels or recording rejections.
Match signer names
Ensure signer names and capacities match the original deed; if signing for an entity, include corporate title and authority documentation to prevent title insurer objections.
Use proper notarization
Follow state-specific acknowledgement language and notary rules; when using RON, confirm the recorder accepts remote notarial certificates before recording.
Keep an audit trail
Retain executed originals, certified copies, and any supporting consent or settlement documents to evidence mutual rescission and support title updates.

Practical scenarios where a Rescission Deed is used

Below are two representative examples showing how rescission deeds resolve recording problems or restore prior title.

Mutual Mistake Rescission

An owner and grantee discover an inadvertent transfer recorded due to clerical error

  • Parties sign a rescission deed and attach an affidavit of mutual mistake
  • The deed is notarized and recorded, title updated, and the title company issues an amended commitment removing the cloud.

Court-Ordered Rescission

After litigation establishes a conveyance was voidable, the court orders rescission and the parties execute a rescission deed

  • The document references the court decree and original instrument
  • Recording the rescission provides public notice and clears the title for future transactions.

Frequently asked questions about California Rescission Deeds

Answers to common questions about validity, recording, notarization, and next steps when preparing a rescission deed in California.


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