Quiet Title Considerations To Know When Filing A Quite Title Action (2024)

Quiet Title Considerations To Know When Filing A Quite Title Action (1)
  • Quiet Title Considerations
  • The Court is the Fact Finder
  • Quiet Title Actions are Equitable in Nature
  • Correctly Assess the Statute of Limitations
  • Related posts:

Updated on July 16, 2021

A quiet title action is a civil action filed with the intent to settle title disputes to a property. Quiet title actions are particularly prevalent in situations when there is a disagreement as to who is the legal owner of property, or when there are liens against a property that a property owner does not believe are valid. These can be old liens that were simply never reconveyed, or claims that should not be clouding title.

Quiet Title Considerations

In a previous blog post quieting title to real property,Schorr Law discussed three important quiet title considerations.This blog posts offers some additional quiet title considerations to know when filing a quiet title action.

The Court is the Fact Finder

In many civil cases, the jury acts as the fact finder. However, in quiet title actions, the assigned judge will consider the evidence and enter a judgment. (Code Civ. Proc. Section 764.010, Nickell v. Matlock, (2012) 206 Cal.App.4th934.)

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”. However, quiet title actions are “equitable” in nature. (Aguayo v. Amaro, (2013)213 Cal.App. 4th1102.) An equitable remedy is one in which the recovery of money is an inadequate form of relief. If you have a real property dispute, you may have causes of action for both legal remedies, and equitable remedies, including quiet title.

Correctly Assess the Statute of Limitations

When you realize that you may have a real property claim, one of the first things you should do is determine the statute of limitations. However, quiet title actions do not have a specific statute of limitations. Instead, the statute of limitations on quiet title is determined with reference to the underlying theory of relief. (Bank of New York Mellon v. Citibank, N.A.(2017) 8 Cal.App.5th935.)

There are many quiet title considerations to think about. Fortunately, over the past decade, Schorr Law has constantly and consistently litigated quiet title actions in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Riverside County, San BernardinoCounty, Ventura County, and throughout Southern California.

Are you looking for a quiet title attorney in Los Angeles? Schorr Law has the top rated real estate attorney California. Contact us to schedule a consultation to speak with one of our attorneys. Phone: (310) 954-1877 | Email: [emailprotected] | Text: (323) 478-7533 | Send us a message through our contact form.

Quiet Title Considerations To Know When Filing A Quite Title Action (2024)

FAQs

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.

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 an example of a 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 a quiet title action take 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 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.

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 ...

What is a special master quiet title? ›

A Special Master is typically assigned to quiet title actions or similar lawsuits. A quiet title action is used to resolve any issues with the chain of title of a property and to remove any clouds from the title.

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.

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 protects the home buyer in case problems with title are found in the future? ›

Title insurance protects home buyers against covered title defects, such as a previous owner's debt, liens, and other claims of ownership. It's an insurance policy that protects against past problems, whereas other insurances usually deal with future risks.

What deed best protects the seller? ›

A special warranty deed is a deed in which the seller of a piece of property only warrants against problems or encumbrances in the property title that occurred during his ownership.

What type of deed gives the buyer the greatest protection? ›

A general warranty deed is the gold standard of property transfers. This type of deed is overwhelmingly used in residential purchases. Most lenders require a warranty deed for properties they finance. It offers buyers the greatest possible protection from future claims against the title.

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.

Can you assign quiet title action? ›

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. If the owner prevails in the quiet title action, no further challenges to the title can be brought.

What is a quiet title cause of action in California? ›

Cal. Civ. Code § 760.020. Accordingly, a quiet title action is a legal proceeding where a person or entity (Plaintiff) claims title to all or a portion of specific real property and asks the Court for a ruling that Plaintiff's title is superior to any interest that is claimed by the Defendant(s).

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.

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.

Which of the following is the best evidence of the condition of title? ›

Title insurance. In the absence of Torrens registration, a title insurance policy is commonly accepted as the best evidence of marketable title.

What is an example of involuntary alienation? ›

The most common occurrence of involuntary alienation is when a bank evicts the residents because of unpaid loan balances. In other words, foreclosure is a circ*mstance where one loses their property due to unpaid debts.

What is an example of alienation of title? ›

For example, your lender provides you a loan in exchange for the title, which the lender then uses as collateral while you repay the loan. Similarly, your lender uses the alienation clause to ensure that they make back the money you borrowed even when you sell or transfer ownership of your home.

What is a Reddendum clause? ›

red·​den·​dum. -ndəm. plural reddenda. -ndə : a clause in a deed usually following the tenendum by which some new thing (as rent) is reserved out of what had been granted before.

What is the defeasance clause? ›

A defeasance clause is a term within a mortgage contract that states the property's title will be transferred to the borrower (mortgagor) when they satisfy payment conditions from the lender (mortgagee).

What is a seisin clause? ›

The covenant of seisin (also seizin) is a promise that the grantor owns the property and has the right to convey title. The covenant of seisin states that the property is free from liens or other encumbrances except as noted in the deed.

What is true of an REO sale? ›

What Is A Real Estate Owned Property? A typical real estate owned listing has failed to sell during the foreclosure process and is now owned by a mortgage lender, bank or the mortgage investor. Buying an REO property is done through an REO agent or an auction platform.

How do I find REO properties in my area? ›

HUD Home Store is the listing site for HUD real estate owned (REO) single-family properties. This site provides the public, brokers, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations a centralized location to search the inventory of HUD properties for sale.

What does REO occupied mean? ›

An REO occupied property is a home that is owned by a lender while still being occupied. The individual residing within the home could be the previous owner, a tenant, or even a squatter. The lender is typically a bank but could also be a government agency or government loan issuer.

What is a remedy in court compelling the seller to sell the property known as? ›

A remedy in court compelling a vendor to execute a deed in pursuance of a valid written contract is known as: specific performance.

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

When the real property is adversely possessed by any person, no action shall be brought by the tax deed holder unless the action is begun within 4 years from the date of the deed.

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.

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 are the elements of a suit to quiet title in Texas? ›

The elements of the cause of action to quiet title are: 1) an interest in a specific property, 2) title to the property is affected by a claim by the defendant, and 3) the claim, although facially valid, is invalid or unenforceable.

What are the elements of quiet title in Missouri? ›

The right to quiet title in Missouri is statutory. Specifically, Section 527.150 allows any person claiming any “title, estate or interest in real property” to initiate a suit in the local county courthouse to have the Court determine all rights, claims, interest, liens and demands relating to the property.

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

The standard attorney fee for an uncontested Quite Title Action is $1500, plus the court costs, service of process, publication and other costs related to the lawsuit.

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.

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 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.

How do you prove adverse possession in Missouri? ›

The doctrine of adverse possession requires a claimant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the possession is: (1) hostile, and under a claim of right; (2) actual; (3) open and notorious; (4) exclusive; and (5) continuous for a period of ten years.

How much does a quiet title cost in Missouri? ›

Get a FREE Consultation for your Tax Deed Property

Quiet title actions typically cost more than $4,500 and take a minimum of 6-12 months to complete. Tax Title Services can qualify your tax deed property for title insurance in 30-40 days and at a fraction of the cost of a quiet title action.

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

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

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

If a quiet title action is necessary, what is the cost, timeline, and process? An uncontested tax sale quiet title may cost between $1,500.00 and $2,500.00 in attorney fees. It may take 8-12 weeks to obtain final judgment, but you can work on rehabbing or marketing the property in the meantime.

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