Norfolk County Register of Deeds Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

Following his response to frequent questions during a visit to 28 different area communities, Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O’Donnell, is stressing the importance of filing a mortgage discharge in a timely manner after the mortgage has been paid off.

Many homeowners find themselves wondering if they have a clear title to their property after paying off their mortgage.

“When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner’s property title. A discharge is a document (typically one page) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as “Discharge of Mortgage” or “Satisfaction of Mortgage,” O’Donell said.

In many instances, discharges are often filed directly by banks or settlement attorneys with the Registry of Deeds as part of the property sale or as a result of a refinancing situation, according to O’Donnell.

“Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to check and make sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds,” stated O’Donnell.

The original document is always required when recording a discharge. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee is $76.00.

“After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to be assured that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling it, O’Donnell said.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who have been well trained in researching documents, and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges.

The registry can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, at 781-461-6101.