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How can you get et al removed from your real estate documents?
Answer:
If the 'et al' was an error, do a "corrective deed" by having the original Grantor(s) (if he/they are available) make a new one without the words "et al" and stating in the deed itself that it is a corrective deed intended to correct that error.
If that is not possible, the named Grantees should make a new deed to themselves without the words 'et al'. This might not be acceptable to future purchaser, because the 'et al' people did not sign. This should not be a valid objection since the term 'et al' means nothing and a title company would most likely insure the title.
Failing the above, you may file suit in equity court in "an action to quiet title." The court on proper proofs that there are no "et al" people will either enter judgment that the term has no meaning and that only the named grantees have an interest in the property or it will enter judgment reforming the deed to eliminate the reference.
"Et al" means "and other persons". When that term is used in real estate documents, primarily in contracts, it is used to indicate there is a longer list of entities that are parties to the contract. It has other common uses such as in deeds, where it is often used in deed descriptions to indicate numerous abutters along the same boundary line (bounded on the North by Dave Brubeck et al.) or to report an encumbrance such as an easement running in favor of Paul Desmond et al. It should not be used in the granting clause of a deed since the parties making the grant and the parties taking title would not be identified. If it was used in the granting clause of a deed the deed would be defective and an extraordinary faux-pas on the part of the person who drafted it. You would go back to that attorney to have it corrected at their expense.
You haven't provided enough detail in your question to provide an answer to "how et al. can be removed", why you would want/need to remove it or most importantly, what type of real estate documents you are referring to. You can add more details on the discussion page.
If that is not possible, the named Grantees should make a new deed to themselves without the words 'et al'. This might not be acceptable to future purchaser, because the 'et al' people did not sign. This should not be a valid objection since the term 'et al' means nothing and a title company would most likely insure the title.
Failing the above, you may file suit in equity court in "an action to quiet title." The court on proper proofs that there are no "et al" people will either enter judgment that the term has no meaning and that only the named grantees have an interest in the property or it will enter judgment reforming the deed to eliminate the reference.
Another Perspective
"Et al" means "and other persons". When that term is used in real estate documents, primarily in contracts, it is used to indicate there is a longer list of entities that are parties to the contract. It has other common uses such as in deeds, where it is often used in deed descriptions to indicate numerous abutters along the same boundary line (bounded on the North by Dave Brubeck et al.) or to report an encumbrance such as an easement running in favor of Paul Desmond et al. It should not be used in the granting clause of a deed since the parties making the grant and the parties taking title would not be identified. If it was used in the granting clause of a deed the deed would be defective and an extraordinary faux-pas on the part of the person who drafted it. You would go back to that attorney to have it corrected at their expense.
You haven't provided enough detail in your question to provide an answer to "how et al. can be removed", why you would want/need to remove it or most importantly, what type of real estate documents you are referring to. You can add more details on the discussion page.
First answer by EPLibrarian.
Last edit by Kluss.
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