Recording and execution
Was the deed acknowledged and recorded in the correct county before the owner died?
A refusal is a question to investigate
Title company rejected my Transfer on Death Deed
A title company’s refusal does not, by itself, mean your Texas Transfer on Death Deed is invalid. Ask for the specific title or underwriting concern, then have the recorded deed and title history reviewed file by file.
Every closing is subject to title review, underwriting approval and satisfaction of the file’s requirements.
Texas probate attorney ownershipFile-specific title and underwriting reviewServing properties across Texas
01 · Closing question
Start with the reason—not the word ‘no’
Ask the first title company to identify the concern in writing. A useful explanation may point to one of these file issues:
A later instrument
Was there a recorded revocation, later TODD, divorce notice, or lifetime conveyance that could change the result?
The people involved
Did the named beneficiary survive the owner by the period the statute requires, and are there competing ownership claims?
Liens and estate exposure
The beneficiary takes subject to existing interests, and certain estate liabilities can reach TODD property.
02 · Closing question
What WG Title reviews
The recorded deed
We compare the document and recording facts with Chapter 114’s requirements.
The title chain
We examine public records and later instruments that may affect the owner’s interest at death.
The closing path
We identify additional evidence, curative work, and underwriter questions that apply to the transaction.
Your practical next step
Send the refusal with the deed
Include the prior title company’s written concern if you have it. WG Title will review the file for a qualifying closing; review does not guarantee insurability or a closing date.
Start the reviewSecure deed review
Let’s look at your file.
Send the deed to a title team that regularly works with inherited-property closings.
The form accepts one optional deed file. Additional sensitive records should wait for instructions from our team.
214-620-2055
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central
Submitting a deed requests a title and closing review. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, provide a legal opinion or guarantee a closing date. You may continue working with your own attorney.
Request a deed review
Tell us how to reach you. Add your deed if it’s handy.
Quick answers
Questions about this TODD closing issue.
Does a title company rejection prove my TODD is invalid?
No. A refusal may involve a statutory defect, missing evidence, a competing claim, underwriting requirements, or the company’s process. The stated reason and the recorded documents need review.
Should I get the rejection in writing?
Yes, if possible. A written title objection or list of requirements helps the next reviewer focus on the unresolved issue.
Can WG Title guarantee it will accept my TODD?
No. WG Title reviews TODD files and closes qualifying transactions, subject to title review, underwriting approval, and completion of the file’s requirements.
When title and probate overlap
What if I need to probate the estate?
A Transfer on Death Deed addresses only the Texas real property it validly covers. Other assets, creditor issues, a disputed or ineffective deed, or the need for a court-appointed representative may still require probate. WG Title reviews the title and closing requirements; a Texas probate attorney determines the right court process.
Texas estates can follow different paths. The will, heirs, debts, disputes, property, and required authority all affect which option may fit.
Independent administration
An executor or administrator can handle most estate work without asking the court to approve each step.
Dependent administration
The court supervises the administration and generally approves major actions as the estate moves forward.
Muniment of title
A qualifying will may be admitted as evidence of title without opening a full estate administration.
Small estate affidavit
Some limited intestate estates may use a statutory affidavit when all requirements are satisfied.
Affidavit of heirship
This records family-history evidence that may help with certain real-property title issues; it is not a court administration.
Determination of heirship
A probate court can formally identify the heirs when there is no valid will or a judicial heirship finding is needed.
Keep working the file