Posted on: 05th Mar, 2009 10:46 am
The law office claims paperwork was lost, now we find out that the deed to the house is still in the previous owners name. What are our legal rememdies?
Hi bconley,
I'm surprised to know that you purchased the home without changing the title to your name. Anyway, it's better if you can get in touch with the previous owner and get a quitclaim or warranty deed signed by him/her. If the owner cannot be traced, you can file a quiet title lawsuit with the court to clear the 'cloud' over the title. You can also go for a title insurance policy that can protect you against any title defect in future.
I'm surprised to know that you purchased the home without changing the title to your name. Anyway, it's better if you can get in touch with the previous owner and get a quitclaim or warranty deed signed by him/her. If the owner cannot be traced, you can file a quiet title lawsuit with the court to clear the 'cloud' over the title. You can also go for a title insurance policy that can protect you against any title defect in future.