property title Archives

A Guide to Exceptions in a Title Report

Published on: September 19, 2024 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

underwood-exceptions-in-title-report-300x300 Exceptions in a title report, also called a preliminary title report, make a potential buyer aware of issues with the property. Exceptions are important as they may limit what title insurance a buyer is eligible for and may prevent the sale of property altogether.

What is a title report?

A title report is used when conducting a sale or purchase of real estate to help a buyer make an informed decision. A title report is provided by a title insurance company after escrow is opened. It is a document that includes details about the property’s owners, recorded liens against the property, other encumbrances or debts, and conditions. (Ins. Code. § 12340.11.)

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A Primer on the “After Acquired Title Doctrine” (Civ. Code § 1106)

Published on: May 15, 2024 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

underwood-primer-after-acquired-title-doctrine-300x300 When it comes to real estate transactions, ensuring a clean and clear title is essential. However, what happens if a property is sold without a perfect title, only for the seller to acquire the missing rights or interests later? This scenario is where the After Acquired Title Doctrine comes into play. In this blog, we’ll discuss what this doctrine entails, its implications for buyers and sellers, and how it impacts real estate transactions.

What is the “After Acquired Title Doctrine”?

The After Acquired Title Doctrine is a legal principle that addresses situations where a seller transfers property without having complete ownership or rights to the property at the time of sale.

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Can You Contest The Title in a Partition Action? (CCP § 872.210)

Published on: November 13, 2021 | By Underwood Law Firm, P.C.

A chess board where the king fell down
In many ways, partition actions are relatively straightforward. Generally, in a partition action, the two property owners cannot agree on its use, and one of the owners asks the court to sell the property so each can go their separate ways.

The question arises of whether one of the two persons actually owns the property in the first instance. When there is a question of whether one of the parties is an owner, can you contest the title in a partition action? The answer is “yes,” as one of the primary purposes of a partition action is a determination of title.

Generally, at trial, the court must determine whether the plaintiff has the right to partition. (CCP § 872.210(a).) A question of ownership of property, as presented in a partition action, may be one of fact or law, depending on whether the determination of the issue involves a decision on conflicting facts or the application of the law to a stated set of facts. (Lieb v. Superior Court (1962) 199 Cal.App.2d 364.)

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