Attorney Review
Unlike other document preparation services, we provide legal counseling and advice relating to the preparation of the deed and other documents necessary to transfer and convey title and ownership to real estate in Missouri. All deeds and other documents are prepared and reviewed by our attorneys.
Understanding the Deed Preparation Process
Here are the steps in our streamlined deed preparation process:
- Submission of Deed Preparation Order. Our web portal is available 24/7 to receive your deed preparation orders. You simply input the basic transfer information into the form. It is then electronically transmitted to our office via a secure link where it is assigned to an attorney for a conflicts of interest review. If there is a conflict and we are unable to represent you, you will receive a notice declining the order. Any information supplied is kept strictly confidential. After the conflicts of interest review, we then send you our client forms necessary to complete the order - client intake form, legal services agreement, fee quotation, release of information form, and billing authorization.
- Client Consultation. After the order has been received, we then conduct a brief telephone interview with the client. During the interview, we will discuss the general nature and purpose of the transfer of ownership, the capacity of the owner to convey title, the types of deeds and their legal implications, and the risks associated with the preparation of a deed without a title search.
- Title Research. As a part of the order, you will have the opportunity to upload supporting documents such as prior vesting deeds, prior letter reports or title policies, surveys, sales contracts, divorce decrees, trust instruments, corporate organizational documents, and other documents. We strongly recommend that you purchase either a letter report or an owner's title insurance policy in conjunction with the title conveyance. If you elect to perform a title search, we will place the title order, obtain copies of the relevant title documents, conduct a review and examination of the title, and provide a written title opinion. If you elect to proceed without a title search, we will prepare the deed based on the last recorded deed. Absent a title search, we are not responsible for the accuracy of the legal description or exceptions to title that would have been disclosed by a title search.
- Selection of Deed. Upon completion of the title research, we then select the appropriate deed for the transaction. The typical types of deeds are: general warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds and beneficiary deeds. We also prepare specialized deeds for lot consolidations, boundary adjustments, mortgage releases and other disclaimers of interest, deeds with rights of re-entry, deeds with restrictions, and deeds for life estates.
- Preparation of Deed and Other Documents. After the selection of the type of deed, we then prepare a draft of the deed. We also prepare a recording sheet with recording instruction and a certificate of value, where required. In addition, we may prepare additional documents such as marital waivers, affidavits of death, notices of intended sale, powers of attorney, same name affidavits, and title and other closing affidavits.
- Proofing and Recording Fee Calculation. After the deed is prepared, we then conduct an attorney review of the deed, proof the legal description, obtain an estimate of the recording fee and then send a final invoice for payment.
- Execution of Deed. We then transmit the deed and other documents to you for execution before a notary public. You can either select a notary public from our approved list or schedule a time to meet with us and have the documents notarized at our offices. The original, executed deed and other documents must be returned to our offices. We cannot record scanned documents or copies of documents. Upon receipt of the deed and other documents, we then conduct a final review of the deed and other documents to verify that they have been duly executed. In limited cases, we will provide a legal opinion verifying due execution of the documents.
- Electronic Recording of Deed. After the original, executed deed and other documents are received, we then electronically record the deed and other documents within 24 hours of receipt of the deed and other documents. Electronic recording is available in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and other counties in the Missouri. If electronic recording is not available, we then will overnight, courier or otherwise deliver the deed and other documents for recording.
- Return of Deed to Client. After the deed and other documents are recorded, we will return the original deed and other documents to you via U.S. Mail and will send you a scanned, electronic copy of the deed and other documents via e-mail.
- Fraud Alert Notices. As a courtesy service, we will then register your property for automated fraud alerts, where this service is available. This service simply notifies you when a deed or other document relating to your property is recorded and is intended to prevent unauthorized transfers of your property.
