How do I add my spouse to a general warranty deed in Texas? Can you review my draft deed?

I’m trying to add my husband to my home deed. I just filled out the Texas general warranty deed online. I was going to print it and take it to the tax office to file after stopping at the notary. Are you available to review the documents before I print?
April 29, 2025 18 6

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I’m trying to add my husband to my home deed. I just filled out the Texas general warranty deed online. I was going to print it and take it to the tax office to file after stopping at the notary. Are you available to review the documents before I print?

I understand you're looking to add your husband to your home deed. Have you both discussed and agreed on the terms of this addition?

Yes.

Have you and your husband decided how you'd like to hold the property together, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common?

We haven't talked about that. 

Is there anything else the real estate lawyer should know before I connect you?

No. 

Jon

Hello! I'm delighted you contacted AskaLawyer. My name is Jon, and I'm here to assist you as an attorney. I understand that legal issues can be stressful. Don't worry — I'm here to help! How long is the document?

That's correct. Let me attach it here for your review.

Jon

Typically, document review is a premium service, but for a page or two, I’m happy to review it at no charge. It should be quick for a basic deed.
Please go ahead and attach it.

I've attached the file.

Jon

I think I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you'd like to add before I get started? If not, I’ll start working on a response right away. It will take a few minutes to read and write some comments.

I think this is it. I’m just wanting to add my husband to the deed. The original deed is in my maiden name, but all tax documents have been updated with my married name. I’ll take my marriage certificate and divorce decree when I go to the courthouse.

Jon

The deed appears correct in format. It clearly identifies the grantor and the grantees, along with their addresses. It properly references Exhibit A with the legal property description. The deed includes warranty language, acknowledges consideration, mentions the property as a homestead, has a tax information section, and includes space for a notary acknowledgment, which is an important requirement for recording (Texas Property Code § 12.001(a)).

However, there’s one key issue. The deed doesn’t specify the amount of consideration paid by the grantor. Texas deeds usually include even a nominal amount like "ten dollars and other valuable consideration" (Texas Property Code § 5.022). You should fill that into the blank line under "KNOW ALL MEN…" and include the dollar amount in parentheses. After that:

  • Sign and date it in front of a notary, who will complete the acknowledgment section.

  • Then you're ready to take it to the recording office. Here's a list of county clerks in Texas.

  • They’ll stamp the top right corner of the first page and give you a copy.

Okay! So just to be clear, add a small fee ($10) in the "KNOW ALL MEN" section, then notarize, then record it. After that, how long before the county tax office will have a record of my spouse on the deed? We are adding him for tax purposes. Thank you so much for your help and kindness! I appreciate you looking at my document!

Jon

Correct, $10 is fine. The tax office should update its records in about a day or two, but this can vary depending on its workload. They can give you more specifics when you’re there.

Great! Thank you again!

Jon

It was a pleasure assisting you! Wishing you a fantastic rest of the day!