When Title Issues Surface, You Need Clear Answers
Most real estate transactions move forward smoothly—until a title issue appears during review. Liens, recording gaps, or ownership inconsistencies can delay or even stop a closing if not addressed properly. At Jensen & Cross, LTD, a title problems real estate attorney in Minnesota evaluates title defects and outlines practical steps to resolve them so your transaction can proceed. From properties in Litchfield to transactions across
Meeker County, we focus on moving from identifying issues to correcting them with the right legal approach.
Situations Where Experience Makes the Difference
Unreleased Mortgages or Old Liens
If a prior loan or lien was paid but never properly released, it can still appear in title records. Legal review helps determine how to obtain and record the necessary release documentation.
Title Issues and Encumbrances
If easements, liens, or prior use restrictions affect the property, they can limit how you use it. Legal review identifies these issues and helps determine whether they can be resolved or require negotiation.
Ownership Gaps or Probate Transfers
If property passed through an estate without complete documentation, ownership may not be clearly established. We evaluate probate-related records and identify steps to confirm proper title.
Errors in Legal Descriptions
If a deed contains an incorrect or incomplete legal description, it can affect what property is actually conveyed. Correcting these errors ensures the record reflects the intended transfer.
Judgments or Encumbrances
If judgments or other recorded interests attach to a property, they may need to be addressed before closing. We assess how these affect title and what options exist to resolve them.
Why Title Problems Happen
County recorders maintain public records such as deeds, liens, judgments, and probate-related filings that establish the history of property ownership. Over time, missing releases, recording errors, or incomplete transfers can create defects in the chain of title. These issues are not uncommon—they often reflect how documents were handled in prior transactions rather than current mistakes.4
Understanding where the issue originated helps determine how it can be corrected.
Typical Steps to Resolve Title Defects
Resolving title issues involves more than identifying them—it requires the right corrective action and documentation.
- Identify the Root Issue – Review recorded documents to determine the source of the defect.
- Evaluate Impact – Assess whether the issue affects ownership, transferability, or use of the property.
- Determine Corrective Action – This may include obtaining releases, preparing corrective deeds, or addressing probate-related gaps.
- Prepare and Record Documents – Ensure all corrective documents are properly executed and recorded with the county.
- Confirm Clear Title Path – Verify that the issue has been resolved so the transaction can proceed.
Common Mistakes That Delay Closings
- Assuming Old Liens Are Automatically Cleared
Even if a debt was paid, failure to record a release can leave the lien visible in title records and delay closing. - Relying on Incomplete Property Descriptions
Small errors in legal descriptions can create confusion about what is being transferred and require correction before closing. - Waiting Until Closing Day to Address Issues
Title problems discovered late in the process can be harder to resolve quickly, increasing the risk of delay. - Not Understanding the Source of the Problem
Without identifying the underlying record or document causing the issue, it’s difficult to choose the right solution.
Common Title Issues We Address
- Unreleased mortgages or satisfactions not recorded
- Tax liens or judgment liens attached to the property
- Breaks in the chain of title
- Errors in legal descriptions or boundary references
- Probate-related ownership questions
- Easements or restrictions affecting use
Each issue requires a different approach depending on the underlying records and applicable Minnesota law.
How to Approach Title Problems Early
If you’re unsure whether a title issue can be resolved, the first step is understanding the nature of the defect. Some issues are straightforward and can be corrected with proper documentation, while others require more involved legal steps. Early review helps clarify which path applies and reduces the risk of last-minute complications.
What to Expect When We Review Title Issues
When you contact Jensen & Cross, LTD, we begin by reviewing available title reports, recorded documents, and transaction details. We explain what the issue is, where it comes from, and what options exist to address it. Our goal is to provide a clear plan for resolving the defect and keeping your transaction moving forward.
Minnesota-licensed attorneys in good standing handle this review from our Litchfield office, providing local access and accountability throughout the process.
Move From Identifying Issues to Resolving Them
Title reports can point out problems—but resolving them requires the right legal steps. Jensen & Cross, LTD helps clients across Litchfield and Meeker County address title defects with practical, attorney-led solutions so transactions can move forward with confidence.