What is generally required to legally establish a deed?

To legally establish a deed, a signed written document is essential. This requirement stems from the Statute of Frauds, which mandates that certain contracts, including those for the transfer of real property, must be in writing to be enforceable. A deed must clearly identify the parties involved in the transaction, accurately describe the property being transferred, and include the necessary signatures (typically that of the grantor) to demonstrate the intention to convey the property.

While verbal agreements can occur, they do not provide the necessary legal foundation or evidence required for a deed, which is why they are insufficient. Government permits and property surveys may be relevant in the context of property transactions, but they do not substitute for the need for a written document to establish a deed. Thus, the requirement for a signed written document underscores the importance of clear, enforceable agreements in property law.