Do You Need a Lawyer to Change a Name on a Deed in Maryland?
By Kaitlyn P. Tauber, Esq, CDeeds
It’s not uncommon for Maryland homeowners to need a name change on their property deed — whether due to marriage, divorce, inheritance, or adding or removing a family member. While it may seem like a simple update, changing a name on a deed involves more than just filling out a form.
Many people wonder: Do I really need a lawyer for this?
Technically, you can change a name on a deed without hiring an attorney — but doing so on your own can lead to costly mistakes down the road. Here’s why having an experienced Maryland real estate attorney handle the process is usually the smarter (and safer) choice.
Why It’s Safer to Hire a Lawyer
- Legal Experience
Maryland has very specific requirements for deed preparation and recording. Each county has its own nuances when it comes to formatting, signatures, and tax certifications.
An experienced real estate attorney understands:
- Which type of deed is appropriate (Quitclaim, Deed of Confirmation, etc.)
- Whether transfer or recordation taxes apply
- How to properly reference the property’s legal description and prior deed reference
- What supporting documentation must accompany the new deed (e.g., lien certificates, affidavits, or marital status certifications)
Even one small mistake — such as an incorrect legal description, missing acknowledgment, or wrong form type — can result in the deed being rejected or, worse, recorded improperly.
- Malpractice Coverage
When you hire a licensed Maryland attorney, you’re also getting an extra layer of protection: malpractice insurance.
If an attorney makes an error in the preparation or recording process, their professional liability coverage provides recourse. By contrast, if you prepare and record the deed yourself or use an unlicensed online document service, you bear the full risk if something goes wrong — even years later.
Potential Problems with DIY Deeds
- Issues That Surface Years Later
It’s not uncommon for clients to discover problems with a deed decades after it was recorded — often when they try to sell, refinance, or transfer the property again. At that point, fixing the error can become far more expensive and complicated, sometimes requiring a corrective deed, affidavits, or even a court order.
- Improperly Recorded or Invalid Deeds
A deed that isn’t executed or recorded correctly can be deemed invalid.
That means ownership may not have legally transferred, even if you thought it had. For example:
- A missing notary acknowledgment renders the deed void.
- A deed that doesn’t meet Maryland’s formatting requirements (such as margin size or return address) may be rejected by the Land Records Office.
- A deed recorded without paying proper transfer or recordation taxes can create a lien or cloud on title.
These types of errors are avoidable — but once recorded, they can be difficult and expensive to undo.
Typical Costs to Hire a Lawyer for a Deed Name Change
At most Maryland law firms, the cost to prepare and record a deed for a name change typically ranges from $650 to $1,500, depending on the county, complexity, and whether any additional documents (like lien certificates or powers of attorney) are required.
For example, a simple name update due to marriage or divorce generally falls on the lower end of that range. More complex matters — such as removing a deceased co-owner, transferring to a trust, or clarifying ownership interests — may cost more due to added legal analysis and documentation.
While it’s possible to find online templates for much less, those services don’t provide legal advice, verify title, or ensure compliance with Maryland’s recording laws — and the savings upfront can quickly be outweighed by the cost of correcting mistakes later.
The Bottom Line
Changing a name on a deed may seem straightforward, but Maryland’s real property laws and county recording rules make it easy to make costly mistakes.
By hiring an experienced Maryland deed attorney, you gain the peace of mind that:
- The deed is properly drafted and recorded.
- You’re protected if an error occurs.
- Your ownership is clear, accurate, and legally valid.
If you’re unsure how to proceed with a deed name change or want to make sure it’s done right, our office can help.
Contact CDeeds
We prepare and record deeds in all Maryland counties and can help you determine the best and most cost-effective way to update your property records.
Call: 410-919-9681
Visit: www.CDeeds.com
Speak to an attorney today — serving all of Maryland.