What does quitclaim mean?
A quitclaim is a legal device by which someone gives up, transfers, or releases an interest in property or a legal right. It does not necessarily mean that the person making the transfer has clear title; rather, it conveys only whatever interest they have at the time. Quitclaims are therefore commonly used in real-estate transactions, settlements, and other arrangements where a formal release is needed without making strong assertions about ownership. The word is most familiar in the phrase quitclaim deed, referring to the written document that effects the transfer. Outside legal writing, it can describe relinquishing a claim more generally, as when a participant settles a dispute and gives up any further demand. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a limited transfer of interests from a warranty that the transferred property is entirely secure.
A legal instrument or act by which a person gives up or transfers all interest in property or a right to another person.
"The parties recorded a quitclaim before the property was sold."
Most often used in legal and real-estate contexts; the term is especially common in the phrase quitclaim deed.
To give up, release, or transfer a claim or interest, especially by means of a legal instrument.
"The shareholders agreed to quitclaim their remaining interests."
This use is chiefly legal and formal, and is less common than the noun.
The plural is used when referring to multiple legal instruments or transfers of this kind.
"The court recorded several quitclaims relating to disputed property."
A quitclaim is less a promise that you own something than an admission that you are handing over whatever claim you happen to have.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quitclaim come from?
The word combines the English verb quit, in the sense of leave, release, or renounce, with claim, meaning a legal right or ownership interest. The combination developed in legal usage to describe a transfer made without assurances equivalent to those in a warranty deed. Its components connect it to a wider family based on the idea of asserting, retaining, or giving up a claim.
Related word forms
How quitclaim is actually used
The term is primarily legal and is most common in property and settlement contexts. In ordinary usage, quitclaim can refer more generally to abandoning a claim or expectation.
Easily confused with quitclaim
A quitclaim is the transfer or instrument itself, while a quitclaim deed is the written document used to make that transfer.
A quitclaim conveys only the interest the grantor currently has, whereas a warranty deed includes stronger assurances about the grantor's title.