A straw deed is when two deeds are filed in quick succession, the first from Party A to Party B and then the second from Party B back to Party A and Party C. This is used to sidestep legal restrictions of sales between spouses or joint owners, or to incorporate a new survey description. Party B is a trusted intermediary, either a close friend, secretary, or an attorney.
Straw deeds are regulated by state law, for example, in Maryland and Massachusetts.12 In some other states, such as Wyoming, a straw person is unnecessary in cases where a person merely wants to create a Tenancy by the entirety with themselves and their spouse.3
References
References
- "Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-104". Findlaw.com. December 31, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- "Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: William P. O'Donnell: Register of Deeds & Assistant Recorder of the Land Court". Norfolk, Massachusetts Registry of Deeds. 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- Birchy, James (December 1, 2019). "Creation of a Tenancy by the Entirety without the Use of a Strawman". Wyoming Law Journal. 15. University of Wyoming Law School: 179. Retrieved June 5, 2025.