Four Standard Deed Forms
Arizona recognizes four basic templates for property transfers. Each serves a different purpose, and the right choice depends on the level of protection the buyer or recipient needs.
The following or other equivalent forms varied to suit circumstances are sufficient:
A.R.S. § 33-402A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor currently holds in the property, with no promises about title quality. If the grantor has full ownership, the recipient gets full ownership. If the grantor has nothing, the recipient gets nothing. Quitclaim deeds are common between family members, divorcing spouses, or when clearing up title issues.
A conveyance deed (sometimes called a grant deed) is a straightforward transfer of property. It does not include the full title guarantees of a warranty deed, making it a simpler form of transfer.
A warranty deed goes further. The grantor guarantees clear title "against all persons whomsoever," meaning the grantor is personally responsible if a title defect surfaces later. This is the strongest protection a buyer can receive in a deed.
Choosing the Right Deed
A mortgage deed uses the conveyance form but adds a condition: the transfer becomes void once the borrower pays off the debt. This is the traditional structure behind a property-secured loan.
For estate planning purposes, the deed type matters. Transferring property into a living trust typically uses a warranty deed or a special warranty deed to maintain clean title. Adding a beneficiary deed is a separate tool under A.R.S. 33-405 that allows property to pass at death without probate. Understanding which form fits your situation is an important part of keeping your estate plan properly funded and your title clear.
