§ 58-1252. Transfer-on-death deed - Notice to beneficiary - Acceptance of transfer-on-death deed.

A.  An interest in real estate may be titled in transfer-on-death form by recording a deed, signed by the record owner of the interest, designating a grantee beneficiary or beneficiaries of the interest.  The deed shall transfer ownership of the interest upon the death of the owner.  A transfer-on-death deed need not be supported by consideration.  For purposes of the Nontestamentary Transfer of Property Act, an “interest in real estate” means any estate or interest in, over or under land, including surface, minerals, structures and fixtures.

B.  The signature, consent or agreement of or notice to a grantee beneficiary or beneficiaries of a transfer-on-death deed shall not be required for any purpose during the lifetime of the record owner.

C.  To accept real estate pursuant to a transfer-on-death deed, a designated grantee beneficiary shall execute an affidavit affirming:

1.  Verification of the record owner’s death;

2.  Whether the record owner and the designated beneficiary were married at the time of the record owner’s death; and

3.  A legal description of the real estate.

D.  The grantee shall attach a copy of the record owner’s death certificate to the beneficiary affidavit.  The beneficiary shall record the affidavit and related documents with the office of the county clerk where the real estate is located within nine (9) months of the grantor’s death, otherwise the interest in the property reverts to the deceased grantor’s estate.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 26 of Title 16 of the Oklahoma Statutes, an affidavit properly sworn to before a notary shall be received for record and recorded by the county clerk without having been acknowledged and, when recorded, shall be effective as if it had been acknowledged.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 78, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.  Amended by Laws 2010, c. 205, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2010; Laws 2011, c. 372, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2011.