What does a quitclaim deed primarily do?

A quitclaim deed is primarily utilized to transfer title to property without any warranties or guarantees regarding the title's validity. When a grantor uses a quitclaim deed, they essentially transfer whatever interest they may have in the property to the grantee, but they make no assurances about the quality of that interest. This means that if there are any defects in the title or if the grantor does not actually own the property, the grantee has no legal recourse against the grantor.

This type of deed is commonly used in various situations, such as between family members or in divorce settlements, where the parties involved may trust each other and do not require the protections that come with a warranty deed. Because of this lack of warranties, the quitclaim deed is not seen as a strong form of title transfer compared to other deed types which do provide guarantees, making it a less secure option for buyers seeking assurance of ownership and clear title.