When the court orders us to sign your deed A special role of the Recorder of Deeds

The Philadelphia Commissioner of Records, as the city's Recorder of Deeds, plays a vital role in resolving property ownership disputes involving issues like deed fraud or conflicting claims. When a court orders a deed to be signed, the Commissioner can act on behalf of the rightful owner if they are unavailable. To start this process, individuals must provide a proposed deed and an original certified copy of the court order at City Hall. The office carefully reviews these documents to ensure they meet all recording requirements and match the court order. Once approved, the Commissioner signs the deed, facilitating the update of public records, which is critical for accurate real estate tax and service billing.

Failing to record a new deed can lead to discrepancies in ownership records. The office aims to process these deeds within 10 business days, but property owners are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid potential delays. This function underscores the importance of legal clarity in property ownership within Philadelphia.