Title disputes can create major challenges for property owners, especially when the ownership of the property is unclear or contested. In Ohio, resolving a title dispute involves a few key steps. If you find yourself in a title dispute, you may find it helpful to understand the process.
Understanding a title dispute
A title dispute occurs when two or more parties claim ownership of the same property, or when the title to a property has an issue, such as incorrect information or unresolved liens. These disputes can stem from issues such as forgery, unpaid debts, inheritance conflicts, or even simple clerical errors in public records.
Steps to resolve a title dispute
First, you’ll want to review your property’s deed and other relevant documents to verify your claim of ownership. If your title has a cloud—like an unresolved lien or unclear ownership history—it’s crucial to address it quickly. You may need a title search to uncover any mistakes or missing information. If the dispute involves conflicting claims, one party may need to initiate a quiet title action.
A quiet title action is a legal process where you ask the court to rule on the ownership of a property and remove any “clouds” on the title. This process involves filing a lawsuit in an Ohio court and providing evidence that supports your claim of ownership.
Preventing title disputes in the future
To avoid future disputes, ensure that all transactions involving your property are properly documented and recorded. Regularly review the title to ensure no unresolved issues are lingering, and consider purchasing title insurance for added protection.
Ohio’s laws provide mechanisms to help you clear up title disputes, but acting quickly and carefully is key to preventing more serious legal problems down the road.
