Our office does not retain original documents. Once recorded, the original document is returned as per filer instructions. Original deeds are generally given to the grantee at settlement or shortly after. The deed is usually included in a packet of material with title insurance and usually begins with "This Indenture . . .". If you need a copy of the deed, it can be purchased online at delcopa.gov via our public access site.
When you pay off your mortgage, the mortgage company sends us the mortgage satisfaction piece, we file it, and it is returned per filer instructions.
Yes, but it is best to have someone with some degree of expertise in this field, such as an attorney, draft a deed. Employees of the Recorder of Deeds CANNOT draft a deed for you or give any kind of legal advice. The Recorder of Deeds does NOT supply any kind of deed form.
To make ANY kind of change to a deed, a new deed must be drawn up, preferably by a real estate attorney. The deed will then be filed in the Recorder of Deeds and the change will reflect.
No, the Recorder of Deeds Office is not insured to do a title search. If you need a title search done, please contact a Real Estate Title Company. General note: the only liens recorded in the Recorder of Deeds are mortgages. You can go online to our Public Access site to search your property records.