By Matthew A. Quick Before going through the process of drafting, printing, signing and traveling to file your document (or sending it off in the mail), be sure it complies with the following, pursuant to MCL 565.201, or the Register of Deeds will not accept it:
1. The name of each person purporting to execute the instrument is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped beneath the original signature or mark of the person.
2. A discrepancy does not exist between the name of each person as printed, typewritten, or stamped beneath their signature and the name as recited in the acknowledgment or jurat on the instrument.
3. The name of any notary public whose signature appears upon the instrument is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped upon the instrument immediately beneath the signature of that notary public.
4. The address of each of the grantees in each deed of conveyance or assignment of real estate, including the street number address if located within territory where street number addresses are in common use, or, if not, the post office address, is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped on the instrument.
5. Each sheet of the instrument must comply with all of the following requirements: (a) Has a margin of unprinted space that is at least 2-1/2 inches at the top of the first page and at least 1/2 inch on all remaining sides of each page. (b) Displays on the first line of print on the first page of the instrument a single statement identifying the recordable event that the instrument evidences. (c) Is electronically, mechanically, or hand printed in 10-point type or the equivalent of 10-point type. (d) Is legibly printed in black ink on white paper that is not less than 20-pound weight. (e) Is not less than 8-1/2 inches wide and 11 inches long or more than 8-1/2 inches wide and 14 inches long. (f) Contains no attachment that is less than 8-1/2 inches wide and 11 inches long or more than 8-1/2 inches wide and 14 inches long.