Quiet Title

A lawsuit to establish clear ownership of real property and remove any competing claims, liens, or clouds on the title.

What It Means

A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed in court to establish who legally owns a piece of property. It “quiets” any competing claims, meaning the court issues an order declaring one party the true owner and removing any other claims against the property.

Why It Matters

Quiet title actions are commonly needed when:

• You inherited property but the deed was never properly transferred
• There is a tax lien, mortgage, or other claim on the property that you believe is invalid
• Boundary lines are disputed between neighbors
• A previous owner’s heir or creditor claims an interest in the property
• You are trying to sell property but the title company found problems with the chain of ownership

Without a clear title, it can be difficult or impossible to sell, refinance, or insure a property.

Example

A woman inherits her grandmother’s house, but the deed still shows her grandmother’s name. The grandmother’s other relatives claim they also have a right to the property. The woman files a quiet title action. The court examines the evidence and issues an order confirming the woman as the sole owner, clearing the title so she can sell the house.