TITLE SEARCH AND EXAMINATION: A Comprehensive Guide.

This article focuses on the importance and methodology of title examination for real property attorneys, emphasizing its value even in jurisdictions where attorney title examination is not mandatory. It explains key concepts such as "root of title"—the foundational recorded instrument establishing the interest—and "chain of title," the sequence of ownership documents. The article outlines the process of locating and verifying relevant records from sources like the recorder of deeds and taxing authorities, highlights challenges in searching both physical and online records, and stresses the need to confirm accurate legal descriptions of properties. It also advises dividing the search into phases to identify all relevant documents and potential title objections or exceptions, recommending thorough review and cautious reporting to protect client interests. Finally, the article notes the evolving title industry landscape, including retirements of experienced examiners and the rise of AI tools, underscoring the ongoing need for skilled attorneys to conduct accurate title examinations. [Extracted from the article]