In your state: If the property deed was recorded, contact the Registrar of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Copies are certified for a fee. If the property deed was not properly recorded, you may have to obtain a new deed from the previous owner.
Out of state: To replace lost or destroyed deeds, contact the clerk and/or recorder at the courthouse in the county where the property is located.
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Lesson Contents
I. Introduction
II. How to Get Organized
III. Organize Important Papers
- a. Which Papers to Keep
- b. Where to Keep Papers
- c. How Long to Keep Papers
- d. When to Update Papers
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e. How to Replace Papers
- e.1. Birth and death certificate
- e.2. Citizenship and naturalization papers
- e.3. Driver’s license
- e.4. Federal income tax return
- e.5. Insurance policies
- e.6. Marriage licenses, marriage dissolutions, adoption decrees
- e.7. Military discharge papers
- e.8. Passport
- e.9. Property deeds
- e.10. Savings bonds and notes
- e.11. Social Security card
- e.12. Vehicle title
- e.13. Will
Organize Your Important Household Papers belongs to a series called Legally Secure Your Financial Future. The series also includes information to help you communicate with others and begin preparing your estate plan.