Real estate law is a complex area that will require an effective and knowledgeable attorney to help navigate and ensure you make sound investments and protect your interests.
Oklahoma deeds require the following:

  • Witness signature
  • Signed and sealed by a notary, justice of the peace, or some other official who is legally authorized to validate a document
  • The notary or authorized official must provide written documentation that the grantor personally appeared before them, and they witnessed the grantor signing the deed
  • Upon delivery of the signed and notarized deed to the grantee, the deed becomes effective and is a legally binding document
  • The deed must be recorded with the county register to notify all third parties that the grantor has released all claims to the property to another individual
  • Any defects (i.e., missing signatures, etc.) can invalidate the deed if challenged within a five-year time span.  If the deed is not challenged within the five-year time span, any defects are declared invalid and the deed cannot be challenged concerning its validity

The date that a deed becomes effective may be postponed by the grantor simply designating the effective date of the deed is a future date agreed upon by both the grantor and the grantee.  This is true even if the deed has been delivered to the grantee.  The caveat is if this action is contested, a court may state that since the deed was effectively delivered to the grantee, then the grantee, regardless of the effective date being postponed by the grantor’s written designation, has been given effective rights to the property upon delivery of the deed.
Contact a Real Estate Attorney Today
Robert R. Robles, OKC real estate attorney, is considered an expert in Oklahoma real estate law, and will assist you in resolving your concerns regarding deeds and their effective dates.