Short Answer

In North Carolina, your father can add your sister by signing and recording a new deed (often a quitclaim or non-warranty deed) conveying an interest from himself to himself and your sister. He must choose the co-ownership type (tenants in common by default, or joint tenants with right of survivorship if stated), sign before a notary, and record the deed with the county Register of Deeds. Recording is what makes the change legally effective against third parties.

Understanding the Problem

You’re asking how your father, the current owner in North Carolina, can add your sister to the home’s title using a quitclaim deed. He bought the house with cash and now wants her listed as a co-owner. The key decision is whether they want survivorship (the survivor automatically owns the whole) or a standard shared title that passes by will or intestacy if one dies.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, you don’t “add a name” to a deed; you create and record a new deed from the current owner to the new ownership configuration (for example, from Father to Father and Sister). Without special language, co-owners hold as tenants in common. To give survivorship, the deed must clearly say they are joint tenants with right of survivorship. Married couples can hold as tenants by the entirety, but that is not available for siblings. The deed must be signed by your father and acknowledged before a notary, then recorded with the county Register of Deeds where the property is located.

Key Requirements

• Pick the ownership form: Tenants in common is the default; joint tenancy with right of survivorship requires explicit survivorship wording.
• Use a proper North Carolina deed: Identify grantor/grantee, describe the property (legal description; include parcel/PIN if your county requires), and state consideration (gifting is permitted).
• Execute correctly: Your father signs; a North Carolina notary acknowledges his signature; no separate witnesses are typically required.
• Address spousal status: If the home is owned with a spouse as tenants by the entirety, the spouse must join any conveyance.
• Record promptly: File the original deed with the Register of Deeds in the property’s county and pay applicable recording/excise taxes and fees.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 41-2 (Joint tenancy; survivorship) – Survivorship is not implied; it must be expressly stated to create a right of survivorship.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 39-13.6 (Tenancy by the entirety) – Explains spousal-only ownership form with survivorship.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 47-18 (Connor Act; recording) – Unrecorded deeds are not effective against lien creditors and purchasers; recording protects priority.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your father owns the home outright and wants to add your sister. He would sign a deed conveying from himself to “Father and Sister,” choosing either tenants in common (default) or joint tenants with right of survivorship if they want the survivor to own the whole automatically. Because he paid cash, lender consent is not an issue. He must sign before a notary and record the deed in the county Register of Deeds to protect the transfer against third parties.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Your father (grantor), typically through a North Carolina real estate/estate planning attorney. Where: County Register of Deeds where the property sits. What: A properly drafted North Carolina Quitclaim (Non‑Warranty) Deed or similar deed; include legal description, grantor/grantee names, survivorship language if desired, return address, and any county-required indexing or PIN details. When: Record immediately after notarized execution; recording usually posts within a few business days (varies by county).
2. Register of Deeds intake posts recording, assigns an instrument number, and returns the original or a certified copy. County tax records typically update from the recorded deed.
3. Keep a certified copy with your records; notify your insurer and HOA (if any). Confirm the deed reflects the intended survivorship (if chosen).

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Survivorship not automatic: Without clear survivorship wording, they hold as tenants in common; on death, the decedent’s share passes by will or intestacy, not to the co‑owner.
• Spousal ownership: If the home is held with a spouse as tenants by the entirety, the spouse must sign to convey any interest; siblings cannot hold by the entirety.
• Capacity/undue influence: Gift deeds to family can be challenged if there are concerns about the signer’s capacity or pressure; independent counsel and a clean notary process help.
• Recording errors: An unrecorded deed leaves the transfer vulnerable under the Connor Act; inaccurate legal descriptions or names can cloud title.
• Taxes and benefits: Deeds of gift may have federal gift/Medicaid implications; excise tax and recording fees apply, and details can vary by county and transaction type.

Talk to a Estate Planning Attorney

If you’re dealing with adding a co-owner to North Carolina real estate and want the deed drafted and recorded correctly, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at .

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.