New York Foreclosure Attorney - Quiet Title | Discharge a Mortgage (2024)

05 Jun A New York Foreclosure Attorney can Discharge a Mortgage – Quiet Title Action

A New York foreclosure attorney can discharge a mortgage when it is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. In New York, an action to foreclose a mortgage is subject to a six-year statute of limitations. In other words, a bank has six years to commence a mortgage foreclosure after the mortgage debt has been accelerated. If barred by the applicable statute of limitations, a borrower may commence a quiet title action pursuant to RPAPL § 1501(4) to cancel and discharge of the record the subject mortgage encumbering the property.

RPAPL § 1501 (4) provides that ‘[w]here the period allowed by the applicable statute of limitation for the commencement of an action to foreclose a mortgage … has expired,’ any person with an estate or interest in the property may maintain an action ‘to secure the cancellation and discharge of record of such encumbrance, and to adjudge the estate or interest of the plaintiff in such real property to be free therefrom. Our New York foreclosure attorney can advise you if your mortgage is dischargeable.

Acceleration of the Mortgage

The statute of limitations to foreclose on a mortgage in New York is six years and it begins to run when the mortgage debt is accelerated. It is important to understand acceleration in the realm of mortgages. A mortgage acceleration occurs when the bank calls in the entire loan amount. This means that the bank makes a demand to the borrower that the entire debt is now due regardless of how much time is left on the term of the loan. A bank may elect to call in the entire loan amount when the borrower defaults (usually after several missed payments), or on seldom occasions, when a borrower breaches a clause within the mortgage instrument.

A bank is deemed to have accelerated the debt either: 1) in writing advising the borrower that the entire outstanding mortgage balance is now due; or 2) filing a summons and complaint commencing an action to foreclose on the mortgage. The most common method of acceleration is the latter. Once the mortgage has been accelerated, the statute of limitations begins to run.

The Process which Gives Rise to a Potential Mortgage Discharge

Occasionally, the bank in a foreclosure action will have no choice but to discontinue an active case. This may happen when the bank realizes there is an error in their pleadings or evidence that cannot be corrected, and the court would not grant the bank a judgment in their favor. This happens because of the volume of cases that banks assign to various law firms and very often, the firm’s limited resources cannot tolerate the volume. When an attorney finally ends up reviewing the case, the mistakes are clear, and they will choose to discontinue the action. Or in the alternative, if the action is not voluntarily discontinued by the bank, it is dismissed by the Court for inactivity, abandonment or non-compliance of a court order.

Whether or not a mortgage is dischargeable after it has been accelerated is best illustrated by example. Let’s assume the bank commenced an action to foreclose on a mortgage on February 15, 2011. By filing a summons and complaint, the bank accelerates the entire mortgage on February 15, 2011. For whatever reason, the bank could not proceed with the foreclosure action and it lingered without activity for two years, and was eventually discontinued by the bank in sometime of 2014. The six year statute of limitations in the example above started on February 15, 2011. This means that the statute of limitations would expire on February 14, 2017 (six years later). Thus, the bank would only have until February 14, 2017 to commence another foreclosure action, otherwise, the claim will be time barred. Should the bank fail to commence a foreclosure action before the six years is up, the borrower will now have a potential cause of action to cancel the mortgage under RPAPL § 1501 (4). There are however, exceptions to the rule above which are addressed below.

What Can Preclude the Borrower’s Possible Cause of Action to Cancel the Mortgage?

De-acceleration of the mortgage may preclude the borrower from discharging a mortgage. A bank can de-accelerate the mortgage after the acceleration starts and before the six years statute of limitations expires. The bank will need to reverse the acceleration by taking an affirmative act to re-instate the mortgage and withdraw its demand for immediate payout on the full balance of the mortgage. This affirmative act must occur during the six year statute of limitations period. In taking our example from above, the bank would need to de-accelerate the mortgage and reinstate the loan on or before February 14, 2017. This affirmative act must to be done after the foreclosure action has been dismissed or discontinued. The affirmative act must be in writing via a letter advising the borrower that he/she can go ahead and start making monthly payments again, or it can be done in writing in the voluntary discountenance motion filed by the bank when discontinuing the foreclosure action.

When served with a summons and complaint, it is best to consult with a New York Foreclosure attorney to understand your rights and options. Specifically, only a foreclosure defense attorney would be able to determine if you have a quiet title cause of action to discharge your mortgage.

Call us today at 718-520-0085 if you have been served with a summons and complaint and we will analyze your case to determine if you have a possible cause of action to discharge your mortgage. You can also email us through the contact us page.

New York Foreclosure Attorney - Quiet Title | Discharge a Mortgage (2024)

FAQs

How do you become successful in quiet title action? ›

§761.020], a quiet title action must be well-supported. To file a successful quiet title action claim, you will need to provide a detailed description of the property at issue in the title dispute. Beyond that, you also should gather and organize all relevant property records.

What is the statute of limitations on a quiet title in NY? ›

In New York, an action to foreclose a mortgage is subject to a six-year statute of limitations. In other words, a bank has six years to commence a mortgage foreclosure after the mortgage debt has been accelerated.

How do you answer a foreclosure summons in NY? ›

If you got a Summons and Complaint, you need to deliver a written Answer form to the plaintiff and the Court. Your Answer is what you tell the court about what the plaintiff said in the Complaint. The Answer tells the court your defenses or reasons the plaintiff must not win the case.

How do I quiet my title in NY? ›

As a property owner, you can file a quiet title action in a civil court in New York. The action will be served on the other party that has an ownership claim to the property. Now, the defending parties must appear in court to assert a defense. Often, for old title defects, no one will respond to the court filing.

What are the elements of quiet title? ›

Necessary Elements of a Quiet Title Claim
  • A description of the property that is the subject of the action. ...
  • The title of the Plaintiff as to which a determination of quiet title is sought.
  • The adverse claims to the Plaintiff's title. ...
  • The date as of which the determination is sought.

What is the process of quiet title? ›

The quiet title process involves four main steps. First, research property ownership and title issues. Second, draft a quiet title complaint or petition. Third, file and serve all quiet title pleadings.

How much does a quiet title action cost in NY? ›

The cost of a quiet title action ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for an uncontested lawsuit. Contested (or litigated) quiet title actions can cost much more.

What are the elements of the quiet title cause of action? ›

An element of a cause of action for quiet title is “the adverse claims to the title of the plaintiff against which a determination is sought.” (Orcilla v. Big Sur, Inc. (2016) 244 Cal. App.

When would a suit to quiet title typically be filed? ›

It is used when there is a dispute over the title for a piece of property; it is designed to “quiet” claims to the property in question and decide who has ownership. You can also file for a quiet title action when there are breaks in the chain of ownership, such as when you purchase property in an estate sale.

How do I answer a summons without a lawyer in NY? ›

You can either answer the summons in writing or in person. If you answer in person, you must go to the courthouse clerk's office and tell the clerk about your defenses to the plaintiff's claims. The clerk will check off the boxes in a Consumer Credit Transaction Answer In Person form.

What is the one action rule in New York foreclosure? ›

Under New York's one action rule, while an action is pending or after final judgment for the plaintiff, no other action may be commenced to recover the debt without the permission of the court in which the original action was brought.

How do I get out of foreclosure in NY? ›

Avoiding Foreclosure (Loss Mitigation)
  1. Pay arrears, become current on the loan. ...
  2. Work out a period of loan forbearance. ...
  3. Loan modification. ...
  4. Refinance with another lender. ...
  5. Deed in lieu of foreclosure. ...
  6. Sell home, negotiate short sale.
Jul 30, 2018

What is an example of quiet title action? ›

As an example of a quiet title, there could be a Contractor whose primary job is flipping a house, meaning that Contractor A purchases a home for a low price, makes necessary home improvements, and then turns around and sells the home for a profit.

What is a quiet title lawsuit in NY? ›

A quiet title is a title that has had all claims to property ownership ruled on, and the court has determined who is the rightful owner of the property in the dispute. When there's no dispute about who owns a specific property, that property has a clear title.

What happens after quiet title? ›

Following the quiet title action, the plaintiff will be in full possession of the property in perpetuity, as will be the plaintiff's heirs, and they will also be protected from any further claims of ownership made against the property by other outside entities.

What document shows legal alienation of a property? ›

Voluntary alienation, either as a sale or a gift, must be executed by the use of a deed to transfer title. The deed is a written document that conveys transfer of title in real estate.

Which document is used to provide a summary of the title history? ›

What Is an Abstract Of Title? Abstract of title is a record of the title history of a property or other significant asset, including transfers, liens, and legal actions that are connected to the property.

What is a granting clause? ›

Granting Clause:

The clause in the deed that lists the grantor and the grantee and states that the property is being transferred between the parties.

What can buyers do to protect themselves from title issues when purchasing property? ›

An owner's title insurance policy is what protects you after you buy the property. It protects you in case any liens or claims are filed or discovered after the property becomes yours. Title insurance is a one-time fee often included with closing costs when you buy your home.

Which party at closing requires the property to be free and clear of encumbrances and requires title insurance and hazard insurance? ›

The lender requires the property to be free and clear of encumbrances, and will require title insurance and hazard insurance to protect the lender's investment (the loan).

What is the habendum clause in a deed? ›

Usually, the habendum clause states the property is transferred without restrictions. This means the new owner has absolute ownership of the property upon satisfying their conditions (usually payment in full) and has the right to sell or bequeath the property to an heir and so on.

What is the Article 15 of the RPAPL? ›

The statute of limitations for actual fraud is six years from the commission of the fraud or two years from the time the plaintiff discovered, or could with reasonable diligence have discovered, the fraud, whichever is later.

Why would a property owner file a quiet title suit quizlet? ›

Why would a property owner file a quiet title suit? A buyer has signed a contract to purchase a property but is uncertain of the condition of the title.

Which of the following would be a serious cloud on title? ›

Examples of clouds on title include a property's address being misspelled in a deed conveying title, a mortgage lien whose repayment hasn't been officially recorded, a deed which has been signed but hasn't been properly recorded, an easem*nt that has not been properly recorded, unpaid property taxes, a failure to ...

Who won Howard v Kunto? ›

Conclusion: The court reversed quieting of title in plaintiffs' favor and entered a decree which quieted title in defendants' favor because defendants were able to establish continuity of possession for purposes of a claim to title based on adverse possession.

What does a writ of attachment do? ›

A writ of attachment is commonly used by a plaintiff to secure a contingent lien on a defendant's property in the event that the plaintiff obtains a judgment against the defendant. There are various types of attachments including garnishment, sequestration and replevin.

Which of these actions would cause a property to become an reo? ›

Properties become REO when owners default and the bank repossesses them and tries to sell them. The lender, which is often a bank, takes ownership of a foreclosed property when it fails to sell at the amount sought to cover the loan. These properties generally come at a steep discount but may require extensive repairs.

What is the difference between a suit to quiet title and a trespass to try title in Texas? ›

Put simply, a trespass to try title claim is a legal procedure for challenging the ownership of property, while an action to quiet title is an equitable remedy for establishing one's right to ownership of real property against other adverse claimants. (3) the claim, although facially valid, is invalid or unenforceable.

What general jurisdiction is a quiet title? ›

A quiet title action must be brought in the superior court of the county in which the real property is located. This is usually in the general, unlimited civil jurisdiction department of the local superior court.

Which of the following would be used to clear a defect from the title records? ›

A quitclaim deed is often used to cure a defect (a "cloud on the title") in the recorded history of a real estate title.

What is CPLR 320 in NY? ›

N.Y. Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) 320(a) provides three ways in which a defendant may appear in an action: (1) serving an answer; (2) serving a notice of appearance; or (3) making a motion which has the effect of extending the time to answer.

How many days do you have to answer a summons and complaint in New York? ›

The time to answer the summons and complaint is either 10, 20 or 30 days, depending on how you received the papers and whether the case is in a court inside or outside New York City: 10 days - if the summons and complaint were given to you by personal (in hand) delivery within the county.

How long do you have to file an answer in NY? ›

The written response must be made within 20 days of personal service, or within 30 days of the time when service by any other means is complete. If the defendant fails to respond he or she is in default and plaintiff may be able to obtain a default judgment against the defendant.

What is the new foreclosure law in NY? ›

On December 30, 2022, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the “Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act” (“Act”). The Act became effective immediately and applies to any foreclosure action in New York that was pending as of December 30, 2022 or filed thereafter.

Is there a statute of limitations on foreclosure in NY? ›

The “statute of limitations” in the State of New York for foreclosure actions, per CPLR 213(4), is a six (6) year statute of limitations that measures the time period starting from the lender's “acceleration” of the mortgage by an overt and unequivocal act, until the lender actually commences a foreclosure action.

How long does the foreclosure process take in NY? ›

According to the New York State Department of Financial Services, an average foreclosure case takes about 445 days to be concluded in New York, with some taking much longer depending on the court in which the case was filed.

What liens survive foreclosure in NY? ›

Following a first-mortgage foreclosure, all junior liens (including a second mortgage and any junior judgment liens) are extinguished, and the liens are removed from the property's title. But the second-mortgage debt and creditor's judgment remain, even though they're no longer attached to the foreclosed property.

Is there a right of redemption for foreclosure in NY? ›

Some states have a law that permits foreclosed homeowners to repurchase their home after the foreclosure sale, during what's called the "redemption period;" however, New York isn't one of them. You can redeem the property before the foreclosure sale by paying the loan balance in full.

How much notice is required for foreclosure in New York? ›

90 Day Pre-Foreclosure Filing Notice: Under New York State law, the lender must send the borrower a special notice at least 90 days before filing a foreclosure summons and complaint.

What is the statute of limitations on a quiet title action in NY? ›

A New York Foreclosure Attorney can Discharge a Mortgage – Quiet Title Action. A New York foreclosure attorney can discharge a mortgage when it is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. In New York, an action to foreclose a mortgage is subject to a six-year statute of limitations.

Who is most likely to use a quiet title suit? ›

Quiet title actions are common following mortgage lender disputes, the death of title owners, cases of adverse possession, and long periods of time where the property is unoccupied. A quiet title action may not give the new owner the same level of protection against the previous owner.

What is the importance of title keeping quiet? ›

The title 'Keeping Quiet' has a message in itself of what can happen as a result of keeping quiet. It stresses the importance of introspection, solitude and of stopping our work or any activity for some time. The title throws light on the power of quietness in resolving our personal issues.

How do you become a successful quiet title action in Texas? ›

In order to seek quiet title, the plaintiff must plead and prove three elements: the plaintiff's rightful ownership of the property, a claim or encumbrance which disputes that rightful ownership, thereby questioning the validity of the title, and a statement that the claim or encumbrance is invalid or unenforceable.

What is the significance of number 12 in keeping quiet? ›

1. The number 'twelve' signifies the twelve divisions in the clock (measure of time). 2. The poet wants the fishermen to stop gathering salt from the sea and he also wants the chemical and nuclear wars to stop.

How can you justify the title if I were you? ›

“If I Were You” is a very appropriate title. It refers to the wishful thinking of the intruder who wants to assume Gerrard's identity in order to escape the law. His idea of eluding the police by living on a borrowed identity remains unfulfilled as he is trapped by Gerrard and outwitted before he assumes his life.

What does quiet title mean in law? ›

A quiet title action is a special legal proceeding to determine ownership of real property. A party with a claim of ownership to land can file an action to quiet title, which serves as a sort of lawsuit against anyone and everyone else who has a claim to the land.

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