Can A Transfer on Death Deed Be Revoked or Changed Later?
A transfer on death deed can be updated at a later date. However, a ToD deed is not irrevocable. This is because the person establishing it has not transferred any real estates into it or given up any rights. This means they can change it at any time. A transfer on death deed performs the basic and important task of adding a beneficiary to your real estate. It is quite similar to naming a payable on death beneficiary in a bank account.
All this does is create an expectation rather than an actual interest in the real estate. In order for it a ToD deed to be effective it must be recorded. It needs to be filed directly with the County Recorder’s Office. For many people, this is one of the primary concerns associated with transfer on death deeds because they are not easy to change. If you wanted to update a payable on death provision on your savings account, you could go to your local bank branch and be assisted by a representative.
However, to change a transfer on death deed, you will most likely need a lawyer to ensure that it is done properly. This is an obstacle that can be overcome but is one that many people wish to avoid in order to make it as simple as possible to update a ToD. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can make you more aware of the challenges as well as the benefits associated with using different tools and strategies.
An estate planning attorney is a vital component of your future plans with any deeds or other property.