Complete Guide to Title Review and Curative Work for Jackson Real Estate
Buying or selling real estate in Jackson often requires careful attention to title issues that can affect ownership and the ability to transfer property. Title review and curative work are legal services that identify defects, clouds, or gaps in property records and then take steps to clear them so a transaction can close smoothly. At Jay Johnson Law Firm we assist clients with thorough reviews of public records, deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments that may impact title. This process helps buyers, sellers, lenders, and trustees understand risks and resolve matters before they become barriers to closing.
A comprehensive title review looks beyond surface-level documents to uncover issues that may not be obvious at first glance. Curative work may include preparing corrective deeds, filing quiet title actions, negotiating lien releases, or coordinating with county registries to correct recording errors. In Jackson and throughout Madison County, addressing title concerns early reduces delays and unexpected costs. When working with property matters, having a clear plan for resolving defects provides greater confidence to all parties and supports smoother real estate transactions and estate transfers across Tennessee.
Why Title Review and Curative Work Matters for Property Owners
Title review and curative work deliver tangible benefits by reducing legal and financial risk associated with property ownership and transfers. Identifying clouds on title, unidentified liens, boundary ambiguities, or defects in deed language can prevent costly disputes later on. Acting early to clear title helps protect buyers from assuming unanticipated liabilities and helps sellers avoid delays at closing. Lenders benefit from clearer collateral, and heirs or trustees can ensure property passes according to the decedent’s intent. Ultimately, these steps protect the value of real estate and provide peace of mind during transactions and estate administration.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Real Estate Services
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Jackson and Madison County, offering practical legal guidance for real estate matters, estate planning, and probate. Our team assists with title review, curative filings, deed preparation, and related litigation when necessary. We combine attention to detail with hands-on knowledge of local recording practices and county procedures to streamline resolution of title issues. Clients rely on clear communication, prompt action on filings, and cooperative coordination with title companies, lenders, and county offices to move transactions forward efficiently in Jackson and nearby communities.
Understanding Title Review and Curative Work in Real Estate
Title review begins with a comprehensive examination of public records, historical deeds, mortgages, tax records, and court filings that affect a property’s ownership and use. The goal is to uncover items that could interfere with a buyer’s rights or a lender’s security interest. Curative work refers to the legal measures taken to fix defects uncovered during review. That may involve drafting corrective instruments, negotiating releases, or initiating judicial actions to extinguish adverse claims. For anyone involved in a property transaction in Jackson, early assessment of title reduces uncertainty and supports a smoother closing process.
Curative work often proceeds in stages: investigation, planning, preparation of documents, coordination with recording offices, and, if necessary, litigation. Some matters can be resolved through corrective deeds or affidavits, while others require quiet title actions to settle competing claims. Coordination with title insurance companies is also common to ensure underwriting requirements are met. Because recording practices can vary by county, working with legal counsel familiar with Madison County and Jackson recording procedures helps ensure documents are properly prepared and recorded to achieve the intended result for all involved parties.
What Title Review and Curative Work Entail
Title review is a fact-finding and legal analysis process that examines the chain of title and related records to determine any impediments to a clean transfer of property rights. Curative work is the remedial legal effort to address defects discovered during review. This may include eliminating improper liens, clarifying ambiguous descriptions, correcting errors in prior transfers, or resolving claims from heirs or creditors. The combination of review and curative action is designed to produce marketable title so that the property can be sold, financed, or transferred without unresolved legal encumbrances that could affect ownership or value.
Key Elements and Typical Processes in Title Curative Cases
Important elements include an accurate title chain, identification of recorded and unrecorded interests, verification of legal descriptions, and review of tax and judgment records. Processes often begin with ordering title searches and surveys, then preparing documents like corrective deeds, quitclaim deeds, satisfaction of mortgage instruments, or affidavits of heirship. Where administrative remedies are insufficient, filing a quiet title action or lien enforcement litigation may be necessary. Throughout, coordination with title companies and county recording offices ensures corrective documents are accepted and recorded properly in Jackson and Madison County.
Key Terms and Glossary for Title Review and Curative Work
To navigate title issues, it helps to understand common terms used in review and curative work. Definitions clarify what various recorded instruments mean, how they affect ownership, and which remedies are available to clear title. Familiarity with these terms helps property owners, buyers, and fiduciaries better assess risk, determine next steps, and communicate effectively with attorneys, title companies, and county offices during the curative process in Jackson and elsewhere in Tennessee.
Chain of Title
Chain of title refers to the chronological record of transfers of ownership for a particular parcel of real property. It shows how title has passed from one owner to another through deeds, wills, or court orders. Gaps, unclear transfers, or inconsistent descriptions within the chain can signal potential defects. A thorough chain of title search identifies where issues may have arisen so corrective measures can be planned. Ensuring a clear chain supports marketability and helps prevent disputes over ownership down the line.
Quiet Title Action
A quiet title action is a court proceeding used to resolve competing claims to real property and to establish a definitive ownership record. When competing interests cannot be resolved by agreements or corrective filings, a quiet title suit asks the court to declare who holds valid title and to remove clouds or adverse claims. The court’s decree can then be recorded to provide a clear public record. Quiet title actions are often used when parties are unknown, heirs have unclear claims, or when recorded defects require judicial resolution.
Curative Deed
A curative deed is a document prepared to correct a defect in a prior deed or property description. It may clarify ambiguous language, correct a misspelling of a name, fix a legal description error, or otherwise address inaccuracies that could cloud title. Curative deeds are typically recorded in county land records to replace or supplement the prior defective instrument. Properly drafted curative deeds can be an efficient remedy for many common title problems without resorting to litigation.
Lien Release
A lien release is an instrument that removes a recorded lien, such as a mortgage, judgment, or mechanics lien, from a property’s public record once the underlying obligation has been satisfied or resolved. Obtaining and recording a proper lien release is often a key step in clearing title prior to sale or refinance. If the lienholder cannot or will not provide a release, curative work may involve negotiating a settlement, securing a bond, or seeking court action to discharge the lien where appropriate under Tennessee law.
Comparing Limited Remedies and Comprehensive Curative Strategies
When addressing title defects, parties can choose between limited remedies that target specific defects or more comprehensive strategies that aim to address multiple or complex issues at once. Limited remedies may be quicker and less costly for straightforward issues, while comprehensive approaches can prevent future problems by resolving underlying chains of defect. The right choice depends on the nature of the defect, time constraints for a transaction, the parties involved, and risk tolerance. Understanding the tradeoffs helps property owners and fiduciaries decide the best path for their circumstances.
When a Targeted Curative Approach Is Appropriate:
Simple Recording Errors or Misspellings
A limited curative approach is often appropriate when title issues stem from clerical errors, minor misspellings, or incorrect recording references that can be resolved with corrective instruments. For example, a deed that contains a typographical error in a name or a misnumbered parcel reference may be corrected by preparing and recording an accurate curative deed. When the underlying ownership is otherwise uncontested and the title search reveals no competing claims, focusing on discrete corrections can be efficient and cost-effective while clearing the way for closing.
Resolved Liens with Available Releases
If a lien has been satisfied but the release was not recorded, a targeted effort to obtain and file the proper lien release may be sufficient. This can involve contacting the lienholder, assembling proof of payment, and recording the release in the county records. When parties cooperate and required documents are readily obtainable, this approach resolves the immediate barrier to transfer without broader litigation. Title insurance companies often accept properly executed releases as sufficient curative action in these situations.
When a Broader Curative Strategy Is Advisable:
Multiple or Conflicting Claims
Comprehensive curative work is advised when title defects are layered, involve multiple parties, or include conflicting claims that cannot be resolved informally. Examples include disputes among heirs, adverse possessory claims, or prior transfers with unclear or missing documentation. In these cases, coordinated research, negotiation, corrective instrument drafting, and possibly quiet title litigation may be necessary to achieve a durable resolution. A broader approach addresses root causes and reduces the risk of reemergence of related issues in the future.
Historic or Complex Record Issues
Historic title issues or complex chains of transfers that span many years often require a comprehensive plan. Older records may contain defective conveyances, missing releases, or ambiguous descriptions that require in-depth review and potentially court involvement to correct. Comprehensive curative strategies include reconstructing the chain of title, preparing multiple curative documents, securing judicial decrees when necessary, and collaborating with title insurers to ensure the property becomes insurable and marketable for present and future transactions.
Advantages of a Thorough, Comprehensive Curative Approach
A comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of recurring title problems by addressing underlying defects and interrelated issues rather than fixing only immediate symptoms. It can increase marketability of the property, enhance the ability to secure financing, and lower the chance of future litigation over ownership or encumbrances. For trustees, executors, and property owners in Jackson, resolving all related title matters in one coordinated effort often saves time and expense over the long run, and provides clearer records for future transactions or transfers.
Comprehensive curative work also facilitates smoother closings by meeting the requirements of title companies and lenders who often demand a thorough resolution before issuing policies or funding loans. By documenting corrections and obtaining necessary court orders or recorded instruments, the property’s title history becomes more reliable. This reliability benefits sellers by avoiding last-minute issues and benefits buyers by ensuring they receive defensible ownership. Overall, the broader approach protects the interests of all parties involved in the property transfer.
Improved Marketability and Financing Options
When title defects are fully addressed, buyers and lenders have greater confidence in the property’s legal status, which improves marketability and access to financing. Clear recorded instruments and court decrees provide a robust public record that title companies and underwriters can rely on. This can lead to quicker closings and better loan terms because lenders are protecting their collateral and title insurers are better able to provide coverage. For sellers and fiduciaries in Jackson, resolving title matters comprehensively enhances the attractiveness of the property to prospective purchasers.
Long-Term Protection Against Future Claims
Comprehensive curative work aims to prevent future disputes by removing lingering clouds on title and addressing potential claimants. By obtaining recorded corrections, releases, and, if necessary, judicial decrees, the public record reflects a clear chain of title that is less susceptible to credible challenges. This provides owners, heirs, and lenders with greater certainty and reduces the risk of costly litigation down the road. Such forward-looking resolution preserves property value and simplifies estate administration or future transactions.
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Practical Tips for Title Review and Curative Work
Start Title Review Early
Beginning the title review process early in a real estate transaction reduces the likelihood of last-minute surprises that can delay or derail a closing. Early review gives time to order searches, obtain surveys, contact potential claimants, and prepare corrective documents if needed. For estate matters, early review helps fiduciaries identify and address issues before distribution or transfer. Early action also allows better coordination with title companies and lenders, and helps ensure that any required curative work is completed in time for scheduled closings in Jackson and Madison County.
Keep Clear Documentation
Communicate with Title Companies and Lenders
Open communication with title insurance companies and lenders helps identify underwriting requirements and any additional steps needed for coverage or funding. Title companies often specify the form of curative instruments they will accept and may outline requirements for insurability. Lenders may require lien releases or judicial resolutions for certain defects. Coordinating efforts among all parties ensures that curative actions meet practical closing requirements and helps prevent misunderstandings that could cause delays for transactions in Jackson or across Tennessee.
When to Consider Title Review and Curative Work
Consider title review and curative work when buying or selling property, refinancing, transferring property through estate administration, or when disputed claims or irregularities in recorded documents arise. These services are particularly important where there are gaps in the historical record, ambiguous legal descriptions, unresolved liens, or potential heir claims. Taking action before a closing or transfer can prevent unexpected complications, reduce the chance of litigation, and protect the value of the property for current owners and future heirs in Jackson and surrounding communities.
Parties should also consider curative work when title insurance exceptions relate to unresolved issues, when a prior conveyance appears invalid, or when surveys reveal boundary discrepancies. Addressing these matters in a coordinated manner helps secure marketable title and satisfies underwriting requirements. Executors, trustees, and family members handling estate transfers should proactively seek title review to avoid delays in distribution and to ensure property can be transferred cleanly according to legal obligations and the decedent’s wishes.
Common Situations That Require Title Review and Curative Action
Typical circumstances include unresolved tax liens, judgments, prior loans with missing releases, ambiguous or incorrect legal descriptions, unrecorded transfers, missing signatures on deeds, and competing claims from heirs or adverse possessors. Construction or mechanics liens may also arise and need resolution before sale. In rural areas or with older properties, historical conveyances that lack modern clarity can create complications. Identifying these circumstances early allows parties to pursue appropriate curative measures tailored to the situation.
Heirship or Probate-Related Title Issues
When property passes through probate or is held by heirs, chain of title issues often surface if prior transfers were informal or not properly recorded. Affidavits of heirship, probate orders, or court confirmations may be needed to officially establish ownership and permit recording of new deeds. Resolving heirship questions can involve assembling family records, locating former owners, and preparing documents to reflect the proper transfer. Handling these matters patiently and methodically prevents future disputes among family members and ensures clear title for sale or transfer.
Unreleased Mortgages or Judgments
Mortgages and judgments that remain on the public record after satisfaction can block refinancing or sales. Locating payoff statements, contacting lenders or judgment creditors, and obtaining recorded releases are typical steps to clear these encumbrances. In some cases, additional proof of satisfaction or a court order may be required to remove a recorded lien. Taking proactive steps to obtain proper documentation and record releases is essential to restore clean title and allow smooth closing or lending activity.
Survey or Boundary Discrepancies
Boundary disputes or survey discrepancies often raise questions about legal descriptions and property lines that affect marketability. Resolving such issues can involve updated surveys, boundary agreements, corrective deeds, or, when necessary, litigation to determine true property lines. Clear resolutions reduce the potential for neighbor disputes, zoning complications, and future title claims. Working with surveyors, county offices, and legal counsel helps identify the most appropriate curative steps to align recorded descriptions with physical boundaries.
Local Title Review and Curative Services in Jackson, TN
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients in Jackson and surrounding areas with title review, curative work, and related real estate legal services. Whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, or administering an estate, we help assess title risk, prepare necessary documents, and coordinate recording or court filings in Madison County. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, practical planning, and timely action so transactions proceed with fewer surprises. For personalized guidance regarding a property matter in Jackson, contact our office to discuss your situation and next steps.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Title Curative and Review Work
Clients looking for legal assistance with title matters in Jackson benefit from our familiarity with Tennessee recording practices and local county procedures. We prioritize thorough review of recorded and historical documents, clear explanation of findings, and pragmatic planning for curative steps. Our team works with title companies, surveyors, and lenders to coordinate actions that meet closing timelines and underwriting requirements. That collaborative approach helps streamline the curative process for buyers, sellers, fiduciaries, and lenders.
We focus on preparing precise corrective documents, pursuing appropriate administrative or judicial remedies when necessary, and ensuring proper recording with county registries. Communication with clients is a central part of our service, so you know what to expect at each stage. Whether addressing a single recording error or a complex chain of title questions, we create a plan that balances thorough resolution with attention to cost and timing for your particular situation in Jackson and Madison County.
For estate administration, refinancing, or sales, our goal is to provide practical legal solutions that reduce risk and support a successful transfer of property. We help assemble documentation, negotiate with third parties, and pursue the actions necessary to clear title so transactions can close. Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to review your title concerns, discuss potential remedies, and outline a cost-effective strategy for curative work tailored to your objectives and timeline.
Contact Us to Start Your Title Review and Curative Plan
How We Handle Title Review and Curative Work at Our Firm
Our process begins with an intake to understand the property, transaction timeline, and any known issues. We order or review title searches and surveys, compile relevant recorded instruments, and identify potential defects. After explaining findings, we propose a curative plan that may include drafting corrective instruments, coordinating recordings, negotiating releases, or filing court actions if required. Throughout, we maintain communication with clients, title companies, and lenders to align curative steps with closing or transfer needs in Jackson and Madison County.
Step One: Title Investigation and Document Review
The initial phase focuses on reconstructing the chain of title and identifying recorded and unrecorded matters that affect property rights. We review deeds, mortgages, tax records, judgments, easements, and survey records to map potential issues. This stage also involves verifying legal descriptions and confirming the identity of parties and their signing authority. A clear investigative foundation enables precise planning for curative steps and provides a basis for cost estimates, timelines, and coordination with other parties involved in the transaction.
Ordering Searches and Surveys
We order title searches and review recorded public records, and when necessary request or review updated surveys. Searches help identify encumbrances, ownership history, and recorded interests. Surveys can reveal boundary or easement issues that the recorded documents alone may not show. Together these materials allow us to evaluate the scope of possible curative work and prepare appropriate corrective instruments or actions based on the factual record and the county’s requirements.
Assessing Risks and Preparing a Curative Plan
After gathering records, we assess legal risks and prioritize curative steps. This includes identifying which defects can be resolved administratively and which may require court intervention. We prepare a tailored plan that outlines necessary documents, likely timelines, and estimated costs so clients can make informed decisions. The plan also anticipates potential challenges and suggests the most efficient path to clear title while aligning with client objectives and closing deadlines.
Step Two: Drafting and Negotiation
Once a plan is agreed, we prepare the required curative documents, negotiate with lienholders or claimants when appropriate, and coordinate any necessary signatures and acknowledgments. This stage often involves close work with title companies, lenders, and county offices to ensure the form and content of instruments meet recording and underwriting standards. Effective negotiation can often resolve claims without litigation and results in recorded instruments that restore marketability of the property.
Preparing Corrective Documents
We draft curative deeds, affidavits, lien release requests, and other instruments tailored to the identified defects. Documents are carefully prepared to conform to county recording rules and to achieve the intended legal effect. Proper formatting, acknowledgement, and supporting documentation are essential to secure acceptance by recording offices and to satisfy title company requirements. Attention to these details helps avoid further delays or rejections at recording.
Negotiating Resolutions with Third Parties
When liens, judgments, or competing claims need negotiation, we engage with the relevant parties and their representatives to seek an acceptable resolution. This may include settlement discussions, payoff arrangements, or obtaining releases conditioned on recorded instruments. Resolving matters collaboratively often saves time and expense compared to litigation and can produce faster, documented solutions that meet closing needs and underwriting standards for title insurance.
Step Three: Recording and, If Needed, Litigation
After documents are finalized and signed, we coordinate recording with the county register of deeds and provide necessary supporting documentation to ensure instruments are properly entered into the public record. If administrative remedies are insufficient, we prepare and pursue litigation such as quiet title actions or lien discharge proceedings to obtain judicial resolutions. Court orders can then be recorded to remove clouds or settle competing claims and create a defensible chain of title for future transactions.
Coordinating Recording and Title Company Follow-Up
We work directly with county offices and title companies to confirm recordings are accepted and properly indexed. Following recording, we verify the public records reflect the intended corrections and provide clients with copies of recorded instruments. This follow-up also includes confirming that title insurance exceptions have been removed or that the title company is satisfied with the curative measures taken, helping to finalize closings or refinancing transactions with confidence.
Pursuing Court Remedies When Necessary
If negotiation and corrective instruments are not adequate, we prepare pleadings and pursue judicial remedies to obtain definitive resolutions. Quiet title actions, declaratory judgments, or motions to remove improper liens are typical pathways. The court’s orders provide authoritative public records that can be relied upon by title companies and lenders. While litigation can be time-consuming, it is sometimes the most effective route to secure clear title and avoid future disputes.
Title Review and Curative Work — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a title review and why do I need one for my property in Jackson?
A title review is an in-depth examination of a property’s public records, deeds, mortgages, judgments, easements, and other instruments that affect ownership. It helps identify problems like unreleased liens, ambiguous descriptions, or competing claims that could impede a sale or refinance. For property in Jackson and Madison County, a title review uncovers local recording history issues and allows parties to plan corrective measures before closing. This proactive review reduces surprises and helps transactions proceed more smoothly by defining what needs resolution and who must be involved.If defects are found, curative work provides the legal means to resolve identified problems. Depending on the issue, curative work may include preparing corrective deeds, obtaining lien releases, negotiating settlements, or filing court actions to clear title. Early review provides time to pursue the appropriate remedy so closings are not delayed. For estate transfers, title review ensures heirs and trustees can transfer property without unexpected encumbrances or legal challenges.
How long does curative work typically take before a closing?
The timeline for curative work varies with the nature and complexity of the defects. Simple issues such as clerical errors or obtaining recorded releases can often be resolved in a few weeks if parties cooperate and county offices process documents promptly. In contrast, resolving multiple or contested claims, coordinating with remote parties, or waiting for court schedules can extend the timeline to several months. Transaction deadlines, title company requirements, and the responsiveness of third parties all influence how quickly curative steps can be completed.Planning ahead is essential to meet closing dates. By starting the review early and coordinating with title insurers, lenders, and other stakeholders, many matters can be addressed without last-minute rushes. When litigation is necessary, timelines reflect court availability and procedural steps, so clients should expect a longer schedule but can benefit from a durable legal resolution once the court issues its orders.
Can all title defects be resolved without going to court?
Many title defects can be resolved without court involvement through corrective deeds, lien releases, affidavits, or agreements among interested parties. When parties cooperate and clear documentation exists, administrative curative steps and agreed settlement can efficiently remove clouds on title. Title companies frequently accept properly drafted and recorded instruments to address defects and issue insurance accordingly. The key is having correct documentation, signatures, and recordings that satisfy recording offices and underwriting standards.However, when parties are uncooperative, claims are disputed, or title issues involve missing or ambiguous historical records, court proceedings such as quiet title actions may be necessary. Judicial resolutions provide authoritative public records that settle disputes and remove lingering uncertainties. While litigation is more time-consuming and costly, it can be the most reliable route when informal remedies are unavailable.
What documents are commonly used to cure title defects?
Common documents used in curative work include corrective deeds, quitclaim deeds, affidavits of heirship, lien release instruments, satisfaction of mortgage forms, and boundary agreements. Corrective deeds address inaccuracies in prior conveyances, while affidavits of heirship or probate orders can establish the authority to transfer property when prior transfers are unclear. Lien releases document satisfaction of debts and must be properly recorded to clear encumbrances from the public record.In some cases, title companies require additional documentation such as payoff statements, notarized acknowledgments, or court decrees. When discrepancies involve surveys, a new survey or a boundary agreement may be required. Preparing documents that meet county recording standards and title underwriting requirements is essential to ensure the intended curative effect.
How much does title curative work usually cost?
Costs for title curative work depend on the scope of the issues and the steps required to resolve them. Simple corrective filings and recording fees are relatively modest, while negotiations with lienholders or preparing multiple instruments increase costs. Litigation for quiet title or other judicial remedies typically involves higher attorney fees, court costs, and longer timelines. Each matter is unique, so a cost estimate should follow an initial review that identifies specific defects and likely remedies.We provide clients with a plan and cost estimate after completing a preliminary title review. This helps clients weigh options such as pursuing a limited corrective approach or initiating a broader curative strategy. In many cases, early action and clear planning can reduce overall expenditures by avoiding emergency filings or rushed litigation near closing dates.
Will title insurance cover defects that are found during review?
Title insurance policies often include exceptions for known defects, and insurers typically require certain curative steps before they will remove those exceptions or issue coverage. If defects are identified during review, working with the title company to understand underwriting requirements is a key part of the curative process. Title insurers may accept corrective deeds, releases, or court orders as sufficient to insure over a prior defect, subject to their internal standards and review.In some scenarios, the title insurer may offer an endorsement or conditional approval once curative steps are completed and recorded. Coordination with the insurer helps prioritize the most effective remedies to achieve insurability, enabling closings to proceed with the protection that buyers and lenders expect.
What should I do if an heir or unknown claimant appears during probate?
If an heir or unknown claimant appears during probate or title review, it is important to determine the nature and validity of the claim promptly. Gathering documentation such as wills, family records, and prior conveyances can clarify whether the claimant has a legitimate interest. When potential heirs are identified, curative work may include negotiating releases, obtaining probate orders that confirm dispositions, or pursuing quiet title actions to settle competing claims and establish clear ownership.Open communication and timely legal action can often resolve heirship issues without prolonged disputes. For estates, following Tennessee probate procedures and, where appropriate, obtaining court confirmations provides the authoritative record needed to support subsequent recordings and transfers. This reduces the risk of future challenges after distribution or sale of estate property.
Can boundary disputes be resolved through curative work?
Boundary disputes revealed by surveys can sometimes be resolved through curative measures such as updated surveys, boundary agreements between neighbors, or corrective deeds that reflect agreed lines. When parties reach a negotiated resolution, recording an agreement or corrected description can provide a reliable public record. Working with qualified surveyors and preparing clear written instruments are key steps in documenting agreed solutions and ensuring they will be accepted by title companies and county offices.If neighbors cannot agree, or if the dispute involves adverse possession claims or unclear historic descriptions, judicial resolution may be required. Court proceedings can determine legal boundaries and produce orders suitable for recording. While this route takes longer, it produces a definitive result that reduces the likelihood of recurring disputes.
How do I start the title review process with your firm?
To start the title review process with our firm, contact Jay Johnson Law Firm by phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Provide the property address, copies of any existing title or survey documents, and information about the transaction or estate matter. During intake we will explain the steps involved, order necessary searches, and outline a timeline and cost estimate. Early communication about deadlines and closing dates helps us prioritize tasks to meet your needs.After the initial review, we present our findings and recommend curative steps if defects are identified. We then prepare a tailored plan for drafting documents, obtaining releases, or initiating court actions when necessary. Throughout the process we coordinate with title companies, lenders, and county offices to align curative work with closing requirements and ensure the public record accurately reflects the intended outcome.
What role do lenders and title companies play in curative work?
Lenders and title companies play important roles in curative work because their underwriting and funding decisions depend on acceptable title. Title companies review public records and identify exceptions that must be cured for insurance to be issued. They often specify what forms of cure they will accept and may require particular documents or court orders to remove exceptions. Lenders similarly need assurance that their collateral is free of unresolved encumbrances, and may require proof of recorded releases or judicial resolutions before funding.Because of these requirements, effective curative work typically involves direct coordination with title companies and lenders to ensure the corrective steps meet practical closing conditions. This cooperation helps prevent last-minute surprises and supports timely closings by aligning legal remedies with underwriting and funding needs.