General Warranty Deed?

[dharvel]

My ex-wife and I bought a house in Harris County, Texas from another couple in 1977. We received a General Warranty Deed with the other couple's names as Grantor and both our names as Grantee. Two years later, I divorced my ex-wife. We have both now remarried. I have paid off the note on the house. I would like to get my ex-wife's name off the deed and have my name and my present wife's name on the deed. I want to do this in case something happens to me to insure my present wife will be protected from any other claims on the house. If my ex-wife is willing, can I simply have her sign and have notarized another General Warranty Deed with me and my present wife's names on it and file it with the Harris County Clerk? If so, should she fill in her name as (her name then) AKA (her name now) and sign the same way? Also, does there have to be money involved, for example $10.00? Or is there a better way to do this? THANKS

[FlyingRon]

You wouldn't want to do it that way but you are close. You should either have your ex deed the property to you and then you can deed it to yourself and your new wife together, or the two of you deed it from "you and ex" to "you and new." Yes, list both the name on the previous deed and her current legal name as grantor.

Yes file it with the clerk. There's probably some nominal fee. There's no reason for money to change hands between you two. The clerks office will often want to know the nature of the transaction for state taxation purposes. You just need to indicate it's pursuant to the divorce and marriage.

[dharvel]

Thanks. Now can you tell me where I can get a blank General Warranty Deed that will be legal in Harris County? Can I download one? After I file at the County Clerk's office, it will be a done deal, right?

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by dharvel

Thanks. Now can you tell me where I can get a blank General Warranty Deed that will be legal in Harris County? Can I download one? After I file at the County Clerk's office, it will be a done deal, right?

This is not a do it yourself deal.

Hire a lawyer.

[dharvel]

Ok, Thanks