1. What Services are available at the Registry of Deeds?
Registry of Deeds staff are available to register documents, provide
access to the document vault and inform you about associated search and
registration fees. Map related products and assessment information may
also be obtained at the registry. Documents are available for viewing in a
broad range of formats, from digitally scanned images to original books
dating from the 1700s. To access a particular document, you must visit the
appropriate county office that coincides with the county that the property
is located. Link to map.
2. How far back in time do registered documents exist?
As far back as 1749.
3. Do I need a lawyer to change the name on a deed?
A lawyer is not
required to create a deed, however it is recommended that a lawyer and/or
surveyor be used to create a proper description of the land to be
conveyed. Also, the witnesses affidavit of execution (the part
where the witness swears that they witnessed the signing of the deed) must
be sworn before a proper official. This is often a lawyer, but can be a
commissioner of oaths, which is a service that is available at a Registry
of Deeds office.
4. Do I need a lawyer to do a title search?
The Registry of Deeds is a public office and records may be accessed by
the public. However, because of the complexity of a title search, it is
recommended that a professional title searcher or lawyer be contacted for
this service.
5. Do I need a lawyer to record a release of mortgage?
No, you may take or mail the release of mortgage, with the appropriate
fee ($70.00), to the Registry of Deeds in the County where the released
property exists.
6. What happens if I have lost my deed?
You may obtain a copy of a recorded deed at the Registry of Deeds
7. How do I search for a lien on a car etc.?
Financial interests in personal property such as cars, boats, appliances,
etc., are recorded in the Personal Property Registry (PPR). The PPR is a
centralized computer registry that serves the entire province of Nova
Scotia.
Walk-in access to the PPR system
is available at any Registry of Deeds office, where for a fee you can
search the province-wide database. Remote access is also available to
account holders via subscription. Check with your local Registry for more
details.
8. How do I register a company?
This service is not provided by the Registry of Deeds. Contact the
Registry of Joint Stocks for this service.
9. How do I find the owner of a property?
Visit the Regional Land Information Centre where staff will assist in
identifying the property and associated ownership records. Please note
that this service is not provided over the phone.
10. Does the Registry or Land Information Centre provide searching
services?
No. We maintain and provide access to information through a network of
Registries/Land Information Centres. Staff are available to assist you in
accessing the required information.
11. Who issues my new deed?
In the conveyance of
a property, the seller (or their lawyer) is responsible for executing a
deed and delivering it to the purchaser.
12. When I subdivide a piece of my land, do I need a new deed for the
remaining land?
No, the remaining land is part of your original deed. When you sell your
remaining land, it is recommended that your lawyer update your deed to
reflect any changes.
13. My name has changed because of marriage. Do I need a new deed?
No. Your title is maintained in your maiden name and will be updated when
you sell your property.
14.
Do I need to register my deed?
You are not required by law to register your deed, however,
in order to protect your title to your property, it is recommended that
you register your deed. If the same property is conveyed more than once
from the same owner and to different people, it is the deed registered
first which establishes priority of title to the property.
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