A warranty deed acts as a legal document in Alabama that is used to transfer ownership of surface and mineral interests from one party to another. This deed signifies that the current owner (granter) guarantees to the new owner (grantee) that they have full legal rights and authority to transfer the interests and that the title is free from any defects or encumbrances. In Alabama, there are two primary types of warranty deed for surface and mineral interests: the General Warranty Deed and the Special Warranty Deed. The General Warranty Deed provides the highest level of protection to the grantee. It assures that the granter will defend the title against any claims, even if the defects or claims arose before the granter acquired the property. This type of deed ensures the grantee's peace of mind by providing comprehensive safeguards. On the other hand, the Special Warranty Deed offers a slightly limited level of protection compared to the General Warranty Deed. The granter guarantees to defend the title only against claims and defects arising during their ownership period. This means that any issues occurring before the granter's ownership are not covered. Although it provides less extensive protection, it can still offer considerable comfort to the grantee. When handling a warranty deed for surface and mineral interests in Alabama, it is crucial to document specific information accurately. This includes the names and addresses of both the granter and grantee, a detailed property description, any exceptions to the warranty, and the desired manner of ownership transfer. Additionally, the deed should be signed, notarized, and filed with the appropriate county office to make the transfer official and enforceable. In conclusion, Alabama has two main types of warranty deeds for surface and mineral interests: the General Warranty Deed and the Special Warranty Deed. Both serve as legally binding documents to ensure the grantee's ownership rights and offer various levels of protection. Granters must complete the required information accurately and follow the necessary procedures to complete the transfer successfully.