DEED PROCEDURES
Here is information about residential deed procedures that come up in Summit County Probate Court cases and how Judge Todd McKenney is attempting to begin a public education plan:
Training
■ McKenney wants individuals and civic groups to review the Summit County residential deeds. Call 330-643-2330.
■ McKenney will hold a training session on looking up deeds and an informational session from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Summit County Courthouse in the Probate Courtroom at 209 S. High St. in Akron.
Reminderville meeting:
■ A meeting hosted by Mayor Sam Alonso with a presentation by McKenney will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Bertram Inn and Conference Center, 600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora.
Finding a lawyer
■ Some Akron Bar Association members who specialize in probate work have agreed to $100 fees for work that would include a $30 referral fee to the Bar Association for paperwork. An additional fee of $28 to record the deed could be charged. Call 330-253-5038 or go online to www.akronbar.org
■ Low-income residents can apply for services from Community Legal Aid at www.communitylegalaid.org or by calling 330-983-2660.
Looking up deeds
■ Look up your own deed on the computer if your home was purchased after March 1988 by going online to http://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net.
Choose “records” from the menu on the top of the page. Click “continue” after reading the disclaimer. To the right of the word “name,” type the person’s name with last name first. Click “search.” Look for the deed closest to the bottom of the list and look for the wording that says something to the effect of “to the survivor of them.” If you have that wording, you have a Joint and Survivorship Deed. A Transfer on Death Affidavit would show up separately.
■ Questions about deeds can be directed to 330-643-2715.
■ If your home was purchased before March 1988, your deed is not viewable via the Internet. To request a copy by mail, send a written request with your name, address or parcel number, daytime phone number and a self-addressed envelope and $4 check payable to “Summit County Fiscal Office.” Mail the request to Summit County Fiscal Office, Attn: Recording Customer Service, 175 S. Main St., Akron OH 44308. You can also go in person to the office Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Scam alert
■ Be wary of companies selling a certified deed. A company called State Records Retrieval Board is sending letters asking for $87 to obtain a copy of your deed, the Summit County Fiscal Office said. You do not need to use a private company to get a certified copy of your deed. You can request a copy from the Fiscal Office.
— Betty Lin-Fisher
