Quiet Title Action: Definition, How It Works, Uses, and Cost (2024)

What Is a Quiet Title Action?

A quiet title action, also known as an action of quiet title, is a circuit court action—or lawsuit—that is filed with the intended purpose to establish or settle the title to a property.

Quiet title actions are particularly prevalent in cases wherethere is a disagreement on the title and the lawsuit is meant to remove, or “quiet,” a claim or objection to a title. The result is a clear title.

Key Takeaways

  • A quiet title action is a legal action that is intended to clarify ownership of a given property.
  • Quiet title actions are typically used in cases where title ownership is in question.
  • The beneficiary of a quiet title action is often protected by attempts from outside entities to acquire the property in question.
  • 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.

Understanding a Quiet Title Action

A quiet title action occurs when one property claimant challenges one or more other people in a court of law for the purpose of determining who is the rightful legal owner of the property in question. It is intended to quiet the conflicting claims on the property by eliminating any ambiguities in the title, thus clarifying the question of legal ownership.

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.

Title insurance can protect property owners against certain legal defects that could be subject to a quiet title action.

Quiet Title Action Uses

Quiet title action can be used for several reasons. Among the most common include:

  • Estate Sale: To clear up claims on the ownership of real property—or other property that is titled—following the death of the owner, particularly in situations where there is any question regarding whether all of the heirs have been notified of the sale of the estate.
  • Remove Lienholders: To resolve issues with a mortgage lender whose interest in the property was not properly dealt with after the loan was paid off.
  • Gaps in Title: To clear the title to a property that has been unoccupied for some time, allowing for outside parties to make bids for its purchase.
  • Quitclaim Deeds: The conveyance of an interest in the property via a quitclaim deed, in which the previous owner disclaims interest, but does not promise that the title is clear.
  • Adverse Possession: To convey title to a property in the case of adverse possession, in which a party occupies property that is legally not theirs for purposes of laying claim to it.
  • Easem*nt & Boundary Disputes: To sort out issues relating to land access imposed by an easem*nt and/or disputed property lines between private parties or government entities.

Other grounds for a quiet title action include to settle tax issues with a property; errors in surveying; fraudulent conveyance of the property by coercion or forged deed; treaty disputes between nations; or competing claims by lien holders, reverters, missing heirs, or remainders.

How the Quiet Title Action Process Works

To initiate a quiet title action, you should first determine if it is an appropriate course of action. If so, obtain a copy of the deed from the county clerk or records office. With the aid of a real estate attorney (sometimes in conjunction with a realtor), write up the complaint for the quiet title action and file the suit with the appropriate court

The quiet title action acts thus as a lawsuit levied by the party who is claiming to be the sole owner of the property against all others who may claim to have a stake in it. A judge will then rule on the merits of the case, and if successful they will issue a judgment or court order. Once the proceeding has gone through and the purported owner prevails in the quiet title action, the title is considered close and "quiet" for that owner and no further challenges to the title can be leveraged.

The process from start to finish will generally take as little as 30 days and up to more than one year depending on the complexity of the claim, the state the action takes place in, and the court's backlog.

Special Considerations

A quiet title action does not give the new owner the same level of protection against the previous owner in most cases. If there are problems with the property, the new owner can’t sue the previous owner, unless they acquired the property via warranty deed and sued for defects when the warranty deed was delivered.

Additionally, quiet title actions don’t always clear up all issues with a title. In some jurisdictions, they can only be used to clear up specific claims or title defects.

What Is the Meaning of Quieting a Title?

Quieting a title is the legal process of removing competing claims or challenges to title to real property.

How Much Does a Suit to Quiet Title Cost?

A quiet title action will typically cost between $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on what state the action takes place in and the complexity of the claim.

How Do You Fight a Quiet Title Action?

If you find yourself facing a quiet title action, you can fight it by producing a deed and other information proving that you have superior title and that their claim is invalid or mistaken. This often involves showing up to a legal hearing to present your arguments defending your title. Hiring a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to help with the defense is recommended.

The Bottom Line

The quiet title action is a legal remedy to resolve property disputes involving competing claims or challenges to its title. If a title is not clear, it is not "quiet". This can arise from liens, boundary disputes, easem*nts, gaps in the chain of ownership, adverse possession, or estate sales. This action is essentially a lawsuit where the judgment that is rendered can result in a clear, or quiet title.

Quiet Title Action: Definition, How It Works, Uses, and Cost (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of a quiet title action? ›

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.

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 are the elements of a quiet title action? ›

Necessary Elements of a Quiet Title Claim

A description of the property that is the subject of the action. For real property, the description must include a legal description as well as the street address or other common designation. The title of the Plaintiff as to which a determination of quiet title is sought.

What is the average cost of a quiet title action in Florida? ›

The costs involved in filing a quiet title action in Florida include such things as the Court required case filing fee which ranges between $300 and $450, depending on the county in which the case is filed. There are also title search charges of approximately $125 and Publication charges of approximately $150.

What is a quiet title action quizlet? ›

What is a a quiet title action? 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.

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

The average cost for barment of a tax sale property in Georgia can be $1,000-$2,5000. This must be completed before you can even start a quiet title action, which will cost, on average, another $4,500+ and take 6-24 months to complete.

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 are the requirements for a quiet title action in California? ›

A plaintiff seeking to quiet title against a person with legal title to property has the burden of proving title by clear and convincing proof, rather than by the prepon- derance of evidence usually used in civil cases. [Evid. Code §662] Evidence Code §662 does not apply when legal title itself is disputed.

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.

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.

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.

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

4 years for claims based on the cancellation of an instrument; and. 5 years for claims based on adverse possession.

What is a final judgment of quiet title in Florida? ›

A successful quiet title action removes all adverse legal claims and interest on the property in question. This results in a Florida judge signing a judgment that renders the property as quieted, and as a result the recorded chain of title if free from encumbrances and/or liens.

What is the cause of action for quiet title in Florida? ›

To state a cause of action to quiet title, the homeowners needed to allege that (1) they had title to the subject property; (2) a cloud on the title existed; and (3) that the cloud was invalid.

Can you claim abandoned property in Florida? ›

Florida Unclaimed Property

Until claimed, unclaimed money is deposited into the state school fund, where it is used for public education. There is, however, no statute of limitations, and citizens have the right to claim their property any time at no cost.

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.

What is quiet title in intellectual property? ›

A quiet title action takes place when the claimant of an estate questions other person in the eyes of law so as to know the legit owner of the property. Its main purpose is to settle down the existing claims on the estate, nullifying any vague elements involved in the title, and ensuring transparency.

What is the legal action taken on a title claimant behalf to resolve all clouds on title? ›

Clouds on the title are resolved through a quitclaim deed.

What is a quiet title against the world? ›

Quiet Title Against the World

A quiet title action against the world clears all clouds on a title, including the right of redemption of an owner of property sold at a tax sale. In other words, it essentially ensures that the title is free and clear.

Can I remove neighbors fence on my property in Georgia? ›

Despite the absence of law directly on point, a fence placed on the property or boundary line between two or more properties is understood to be jointly owned by the neighbors. Therefore, no one neighbor can remove or modify an existing fence without the other neighbor's permission.

How much does a quiet title cost in Texas? ›

With the average cost of a quiet title action being in excess of $4,500 and taking a minimum of 6 months to complete, a quiet title action may not be the best strategy for your investing.

What is a quiet title action in Georgia? ›

An action to quiet title is designed to remove clouds upon the title to land and to conclusively establish that the petitioner is the owner of all the interest in land, so that the land will be marketable. Georgia law provides two forms of quiet title actions: Conventional and Statutory.

What is the quiet title statute in Georgia? ›

A quiet title is a real estate lawsuit filed by a property owner in Superior Court. Property owners file quiet title actions to either (1) remove “clouds” on their title (conventional) or (2) establish that they, and no one else, own the property in question (statutory).

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.

Who can claim property based on adverse possession in California? ›

In California, for a person to claim adverse possession, they must demonstrate that they have been in continuous and exclusive possession of the property for at least five years, openly and notoriously, and under a claim of right or with the belief that they have the legal right to possess the property.

What is a quit claim deed in California? ›

A California quitclaim deed form is a special type of deed that transfers real estate without guarantees about the property's title. A person who transfers property by quitclaim deed (the transferor or grantor) does not promise that he or she has clear title or actually owns the property.

What is a writ of possession in California? ›

A Writ of Possession of Real Property is commonly referred to as the "eviction writ." This writ enables the levying officer to satisfy the judgment by placing the judgment creditor in lawful and peaceful possession of specific land and appurtenant structures.

How do I file a quiet title in New York? ›

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 is an action to quiet title in NY? ›

WHAT IS A QUIET TITLE ACTION? An action to quiet title is a legal proceeding in which a party seeks to establish their legal ownership of a property and remove any competing claims or disputes over the property's ownership.

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 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 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.

Is quiet title equitable relief? ›

Quiet Title Actions are Equitable in Nature

These are considered “legal remedies”. However, quiet title actions are “equitable” in nature. (Aguayo v. Amaro, (2013) 213 Cal.

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.

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 laches for quiet title? ›

Laches. In a quiet title action, the party in possession runs the risk that the doctrine of laches will bar his action to quiet title if his delay in brining action has prejudiced the claimant. (Huang v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (2020) 48 Cal.

What does quiet title action mean in legal terms? ›

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.

What is the statute of limitations on adverse possession in California? ›

In California, adverse possession occurs when a person who wants to claim someone else's land must not only use it for at least five years, but they must also pay property taxes on it.

How long do you have to vacate a Judgement in Florida? ›

Furthermore, there are time limitations under the rule: “The motion shall be filed within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1), (2), and (3) not more than 1 year after the judgment, decree, order, or proceeding was entered or taken.”

How do I claim adverse possession in Florida? ›

In Florida, if a person continuously occupies a parcel of real property for seven consecutive years and does not possess a legal document to validate a claim to the property, the person may acquire ownership of the property via adverse possession.

What is a quiet title action on a tax deed in Florida? ›

A successful quiet claim action means the holder of the tax deed can sell the property after a short appeal time period – typically 30 days. Florida Statute Section 65.081. provides the authority for quieting title to tax deeds.

How long until property is considered abandoned in Florida? ›

According to Florida Statute § 83.595 that under the circ*mstances of rent payments not being current and also if there is an absence of written notice indicating that the tenant will be away, the landlord can presume abandonment if the tenant is not present on the premises for 15 consecutive days.

Can I take ownership of an abandoned vehicle on my property Florida? ›

If you have an abandoned car on your property you can charge the registered owner a daily storage fee. This applies to vehicles left for 30+ days on residential or commercial property. (Depending on situation). If this daily storage fee goes unpaid, you can have the title transferred into your name.

What are the elements of a quiet title action in Florida? ›

To state a cause of action to quiet title, the homeowners needed to allege that (1) they had title to the subject property; (2) a cloud on the title existed; and (3) that the cloud was invalid.

How long does a quiet title action take in SC? ›

However, typically a quiet title action can be concluded within 6 months.

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

Therefore, for a quiet title action to be timely, it must be filed within ten (10) years of the date the plaintiff, or someone under whom he or she claims, had possession of, or record title to, the disputed property.

What is remedy in quieting of title? ›

Quiet Title Actions are Equitable in Nature

In many civil cases, the remedy available is monetary relief. For example, in a real property purchase and sale non-disclosure case, or a breach of contract case, an aggrieved party often recovers a sum of money as their damages. These are considered “legal remedies”.

How long does it take to get a quiet title in Florida? ›

If the parties are easily found the action can be complete within sixty days. However, if service through newspaper is required, this can add an additional month.

What is a motion to quiet title in Florida? ›

The standard quiet title action definition in Florida courts states that it is a legal procedure used to determine the genuine owner of a piece of real estate. It is most often used when multiple people have claims to the same property, such as a tenancy in common arrangement.

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