The Transfer on Death Deed (TOD) or Beneficiary Deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real estate from one individual (the Grantor) to another (the Grantee) upon the Grantor's death. Unlike traditional deeds, this form does not transfer ownership during the Grantor's lifetime, allowing for revocation or alteration of the beneficiary designation at any time. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transfer of property while avoiding the probate process after the Grantor's death.
This form is ideal for individuals who wish to specify who will inherit their property after their death without the need for probate. It is particularly useful for those who want to retain control over their property during their lifetime and ensure an efficient transfer to a designated beneficiary upon their passing.
This form is suitable for:
Notarization is required for this form to take effect. Our online notarization service, powered by Notarize, lets you verify and sign documents remotely through an encrypted video session, available 24/7.
In most cases, the surviving owner or heir obtains the title to the home, the former owner's death certificate, a notarized affidavit of death, and a preliminary change of ownership report form. When all these are gathered, the transfer gets recorded, the fees are paid, and the county issues a new title deed.
File a petition in probate court. The first step to transferring the property to the rightful new owners is to open up a case in probate court. Petition the court for sale and convey the property to the purchaser. Next, you must petition the court to sell the property.
Get a Deed Form or Prepare Your Own. You can buy a state-specific TOD deed form for your state or type up your own document. Name the Beneficiary. Describe the Property. Sign the Deed. Record the Deed.
Wisconsin's Transfer on Death Deed. Wisconsin's Transfer on Death Deed (TOD Deed) allows for the non-probate transfer of real property upon death. This seemingly simple law, Wisconsin Statute 705.15, can be used as a powerful estate planning tool, in the right circumstances.
If you'd like to avoid having your property going through the probate process, it's a good idea to look into a transfer on death deed. A transfer on death deed allows you to select a beneficiary who will receive your property, but only when you've passed away.
In most cases, the surviving owner or heir obtains the title to the home, the former owner's death certificate, a notarized affidavit of death, and a preliminary change of ownership report form. When all these are gathered, the transfer gets recorded, the fees are paid, and the county issues a new title deed.
All you need to do is fill out a simple form, provided by the bank, naming the person you want to inherit the money in the account at your death. As long as you are alive, the person you named to inherit the money in a payable-on-death (POD) account has no rights to it.
A transfer on death deed allows you to retain full ownership during your lifetime and conveys your full interest to the Grantee upon your death.Ultimately, the decision between a life estate and transfer on death deed is dependent on why you want to transfer the property.