Define "Color of Title."

Color of Title refers specifically to a situation where an individual has a claim to ownership of a property but does so based on a document or instrument that is not legally valid or that lacks the necessary legal authority. This concept often arises in cases where someone has a deed or another documentation that appears to confer ownership but may have legal flaws.

For example, a person may possess a deed that was signed by someone who did not have the authority to convey the property (such as a minor, a person declared incompetent, or an individual who had not received proper title). Although the individual holding such a deed might believe they have a valid claim, because the underlying document is defective, the claim lacks actual legal validity.

In the context of property law, understanding Color of Title is crucial because it can influence certain rights, such as adverse possession. Under some conditions, an individual may be able to gain legal ownership of a property after possessing it for a certain period, even if their original claim (the color of title) is deficient.

The other options pertain to different legal concepts: a legally binding contract for property sale represents a clear agreement between parties; a historical ownership record refers to the chronological documentation of ownership; and a type of insurance policy for property relates to