MAKING A DEED
After a deed is properly drawn, it is ready to be signed, sealed,
and delivered to the grantee.
If the wife of the grantor is to sign, her name should follow that
of her husband.
If one or both cannot write, the signature can be made in this
way:
His
George X Jones.
Mark.
Witness..............
In some states one or more witnesses are required to the signature
of the grantor; in others, witnesses are not necessary, except
where a "mark" is made.
An important part of a deed is the Acknowledgment. This is the act
of acknowledging before a notary public, justice or other official
properly qualified to administer an oath, that the signatures are
genuine and made voluntarily.
The acknowledgment having been taken, the official stamps the
paper with his seal and signs it.
In some states the law requires that a wax or paper seal be
attached to the paper, while in others a circular scroll, made
with the pen, with the letters "L.S." in the center answer the
purpose.
When the foregoing essentials are complied with the deed must be
delivered to the grantee. The delivery is essential, for without
it the deed is of no value, even though every other requisite be
complied with.
A deed may be made for land on which full payment has already been
acknowledged, but if the grantor dies before the deed is
delivered, then the deed has no legal value.
A deed obtained by fraud, deceit or compulsion is void.
