What happens to a deed when it is forged and the intended owner discovers it before any transfer?

When a deed is forged, it is recognized as invalid due to the fraudulent nature of its creation. In the scenario presented, the intended owner discovering the forgery before any transfer takes place is critical. The law typically treats forged documents as if they never existed because they lack the necessary authenticity and consent from the legitimate owner. Therefore, the deed is void as it cannot confer any legal ownership or rights.

This principle protects individuals from the consequences of false and deceptive actions, ensuring that rights and ownership remain with the actual owner. In this case, the intended owner maintains their rights to the property and is not impacted by the forgery, as long as they act before any transactions occur based on that forged deed.