Register of Deeds - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Register of
Deeds Office?
The Register of Deeds office is the county office where all transactions involving real
estate are recorded; i.e.: deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, assignments, oil & gas
leases, tax liens, etc. This office also files financing statements on personal property.
These records are open to the public. Military discharges are also filed here.
2. What is a deed?
A deed is a document that transfers real estate from one party to another.
3. How do I change the name on my
deed?
Once a document has been filed in this office, the document itself will not be changed -
in order to transfer the property you will have to have a new deed prepared. To avoid
future legal problems, we recommend that you have an abstractor or an attorney do this for
you.
4. What happens if I lose my
deed?
Nothing, providing it was filed in this office - for a nominal fee you will always be able
to receive a copy of your deed.
5. Can the Register
of Deeds office issue a statement showing who owns (holds title
to) a particular parcel of land?
We can assist you in searching our records, but only an abstractor
can issue a certificate of title. There are two abstract companies
in Finney County: Campbell Abstract @ 620-275-7441 Email: Cs.gardencity.ks@firstam.com Land Title & Abstract Co. @ 620-275-6500 Email: Alan@ltaservices.com
6. What are the requirements for
filing a document?
A document has to have a legal description, original signatures and be notarized. The
proper filing fees have to be paid. A deed has to be accompanied by a Kansas Sales
Validation Questionnaire - a form that assists the County Appraiser in assessing the
property.
7. Can I find birth, death and
marriage records in the register of deeds office?
Sorry - these records are filed with the Division of Vital Statistics in Topeka, Kansas.
We do have forms that you can fill out to obtain certified copies of these records - or
you can visit their website and download the forms. Their phone number is 785-296-1400. http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/vital/
8. My spouse recently died - how
do I change the name on my deed?
If you owned the property in joint tenancy you need to file a certified copy of the death
certificate with the register of deeds office. This will remove the name of the deceased
party from the title to the real estate. A new deed will not be made but the records will
reflect that one party is deceased.
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