If I have multiple names, which do I use on a deed?
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You're doing a great job thinking ahead as you prepare your mother’s beneficiary deed for her property, especially by accounting for the different versions of her name that appear on various documents. It’s smart to handle this now to avoid potential confusion later when the property is transferred.
A clear and effective way to list her name on the beneficiary deed would be to start with the name used on the original property documents, which helps establish a direct link to the property's legal history.
Then, including the other name variations she’s used helps clarify that all these names refer to the same person. This can be especially helpful in preventing delays or legal questions down the line.
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My mother used her current name when she purchased a property, but somehow over the years, I think her Medicare card came with her maiden name as a middle name, so some documents have that name. I listed AKA, will that be sufficient?
I understand the situation regarding the different names on your mother's documents. Have you encountered any issues due to this discrepancy in names?
When closing this purchase at the title company they had a page that specifically addressed the name.
Are you looking to update the name on the property documents to reflect your mother's correct legal name?
No, I created a beneficiary deed to transfer the property on her death. I listed her name and the others as "AKA", will that be alright?
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your beneficiary deed.
Hello! I'm delighted that you've chosen to contact AskaLawyer for assistance. My name is Jon, and I'm here to assist you as an attorney.
I understand that dealing with legal issues can be stressful and confusing. Don't worry, I'm here to help, and I hope to provide you with a solution to your problem.
You're asking if her name is ok in terms of closing and signing the deed?
Her current name is on the Deed of Trust, but her license and Medicare/Voter ID use her maiden name as her middle name.
Understood! I think I have all the information I need, but is there anything else you'd like to add before I get started on your answer? If not, I'll start working on a response for you right away.
I just need to know how to create the beneficiary deed so that the name won't become an issue later. It must be notarized, so the notary will see a license with a different name on it.
Got it. I just need a few minutes to finish typing out a complete response for you. It won’t take long—typically around 5 minutes or so.
You're doing a great job thinking ahead as you prepare your mother’s beneficiary deed for her property, especially by accounting for the different versions of her name that appear on various documents. It’s smart to handle this now to avoid potential confusion later when the property is transferred.
A clear and effective way to list her name on the beneficiary deed would be to start with the name used on the original property documents, which helps establish a direct link to the property's legal history.
Then, including the other name variations she’s used helps clarify that all these names refer to the same person. This can be especially helpful in preventing delays or legal questions down the line.
As for notarization, you're right that the notary will need to verify her identity.
Since her driver’s license says one thing, it’s a good idea to let the notary know ahead of time about the name variations.
Having other forms of ID on hand, like her Medicare card or voter ID, can also help reassure the notary that she is indeed the person signing the document. Even if the full name on the deed includes all variations, what matters most is that the notary is confident in her identity when she signs.
Overall, including all of her known name variations in the deed should be enough to make sure there’s no confusion about who owns the property and who’s passing it on. Still, because this is such an important legal document, it might be wise to have an estate or real estate attorney look it over. That way, you can be sure everything’s buttoned up according to state law.
Could I list the variations on the benificary deed that I am creating?
Yes, absolutely you could. That may be a good idea to show all the AKAs.
Do you have any other questions about the law related to this issue? I'm here to assist you, so don't hesitate to reach out with any further inquiries. While I might not be available when you return, I will respond as soon as I can.
