In a grant deed, if the grantee is a fictitious person, how is the deed regarded?

In the context of a grant deed, if the grantee is identified as a fictitious person, the deed is regarded as void from the beginning. This is due to the principle that a grant deed must designate a legitimate entity—individual or legal entity—that can accept ownership of the property being conveyed. A fictitious person lacks the legal capacity to hold title, making any attempt to convey property to such a nonexistent entity legally ineffective.

The implications of this invalidity are significant. Since the grantee cannot legally exist, the transaction never has legal standing. Consequently, it cannot later be validated or enforced, and no rights can arise from such a deed. Courts uphold this principle to ensure that property ownership transfers are clear, unequivocal, and to legitimate entities, thereby protecting the rights of all parties involved in real estate transactions.

Valid until challenged, or subject to rectification by a court does not apply in this case, as the foundational aspect of the grantee being fictitious negates any legal standing of the deed itself from the outset.