Watch Out For This Scam Regarding Recorded Deeds

As part of our estate and long-term care planning practice, we regularly prepare deeds for our clients. These deeds can for instance transfer real property into or out of trusts, or between individuals. We send the executed and acknowledged deeds to the recorder’s office along with the required preliminary change of ownership reports. Thereafter, within a fairly short period of time, we receive a confirmation of the recorded deed information from the recorder’s office. The original deed is thereafter returned to the client from the recorder’s office, which can take  several weeks.

Beware of companies that send an official looking notice to you in the mail, which requests a fee from you in exchange for them sending a copy of the recorded deed to you. These companies apparently comb the county records for recently recorded deeds, make copies of them, and then offer to send the deed to you for a fee. If you receive such a notice, do not pay the fee, and give our office a call. We will probably have the recording information by that time if you need it, and the original recorded deed will be sent to you from the recorder in good time, for no fee. Remember, you have already paid a fee to the recorder so that they would record the deed.

This information is not to be taken as legal advice, and you are encouraged to see your elder law attorney. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Young, at 1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA www.WalnutCreekElderLaw, 925-256-0298, lawyoung1@gmail.com we practice Elder Law and we help Baby Boomers, Seniors and families through their Elder Care Journey. We help families with long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. We also help Baby Boomers and families get their “Ducks in a Row” in order help them qualify for Medi-Cal and the VA Aid & Attendance Improved Pension benefit.