How to Handle Mistakes on Your Real Estate Deed
Springfield, United States - September 29, 2025 / Affordable Legal Services /
A real estate deed is more than just a piece of paper—it’s the official document that proves ownership of a property. Because of its importance, even the smallest error can cause significant problems. From misspelled names to incorrect legal descriptions, deed errors can lead to title disputes, financing delays, and even lawsuits.
When mistakes happen, consulting a real estate deed lawyer or an affordable real estate lawyer can help property owners resolve the issue quickly and correctly, ensuring the property’s ownership is clear and protected.
Common Types of Errors in Real Estate Deeds
1. Clerical Mistakes
Some errors are simple, like misspelled names, incorrect addresses, or small typos in the legal description. While they may seem minor, these issues can still cause confusion during a sale or refinancing.
2. Incorrect Legal Descriptions
A property’s legal description is critical. Errors such as omitted lot numbers, incorrect boundary details, or outdated survey information can lead to disputes over where one property ends and another begins.
3. Errors in Ownership Information
Mistakes in naming the right owner are surprisingly common. This can include leaving out a co-owner, listing the wrong person, or using the wrong form of ownership (such as “tenants in common” instead of “joint tenants with right of survivorship”).
4. Failure to Properly Execute the Deed
A deed must be signed, notarized, and recorded to be valid. Missing signatures, incorrect notarization, or failing to file the deed with the county Recorder’s Office can create legal complications.
Possible Consequences of Deed Errors
Title Problems
Deed mistakes can create gaps or disputes in the chain of ownership, making it unclear who truly owns the property. This can lead to title insurance claims and the need for legal action.
Financing Delays
Lenders often require a clear title before approving a mortgage or refinance. Errors on the deed can cause delays or result in denied applications until corrections are made.
Inability to Sell the Property
Buyers may walk away from a purchase if there are unanswered questions about ownership or the property’s boundaries.
Legal Disputes
In some cases, deed errors can spark court battles over who legally owns the property, leading to costly and stressful litigation.
How to Correct a Deed Error
1. Identify the Error
Compare the recorded deed to the original purchase documents or survey to pinpoint the mistake.
2. Choose the Right Correction Method
Correction Deed (or Deed of Correction): Fixes small clerical or typographical mistakes.
Quitclaim Deed: Transfers or clarifies ownership rights between parties.
New Deed: Required for major errors that affect the validity of the original document.
3. File the Correction with the Recorder’s Office
The corrected document must be signed, notarized, and recorded in the appropriate county office to make it official.
4. Consult a Lawyer
A real estate deed lawyer ensures the correct legal form is used and that the correction is handled in compliance with Missouri law, preventing further complications.
How Lawyers Help Prevent Deed Errors
An experienced lawyer can:
Review deeds thoroughly before recording
Confirm ownership names and legal descriptions are accurate
Ensure proper execution and filing procedures are followed
An affordable real estate lawyer can provide these services at a reasonable rate, giving property owners peace of mind without unnecessary expense.
Tips for Property Owners
Always review the deed carefully before signing.
Keep a certified copy of the recorded deed in your records.
If you’re buying property, secure title insurance to protect against certain disputes.
If you find an error, take action quickly to avoid future complications.
Fixing Deed Errors to Protect Your Property Rights
A real estate deed is the backbone of property ownership, and errors can create serious problems if left uncorrected. By acting promptly and working with a real estate deed lawyer or an affordable real estate lawyer, property owners can correct mistakes, safeguard their ownership rights, and prevent delays in future transactions.
Contact Information:
Affordable Legal Services
1200 E Woodhurst Dr t100
Springfield, MO 65804
United States
Joseph Piatchek
(417) 895-9501
https://www.affordablelegalservicesllc.com/
