What is the legal process of correcting title defects or claims to establish clear ownership called?

The legal process of addressing title defects or claims to establish clear ownership is referred to as title clearing. This process involves identifying and resolving issues, such as liens, encumbrances, or disputes, that may hinder a property’s title. Through title clearing, any defects in the title can be rectified, ensuring that the ownership of the property is clearly defined and legally recognized.

This step is crucial for ensuring that future transactions can occur smoothly without legal challenges. Title clearing can include measures such as obtaining necessary legal judgments, negotiating with lienholders, or evicting claimants. The ultimate goal is to provide a clean title that assures potential buyers or lenders that the property is free of issues and complications.

The other processes mentioned, like title transfer, title amendment, and title verification, relate to different aspects of title management. Title transfer involves the actual change of ownership from one party to another; title amendment refers to changes made to an existing title, such as correcting a name or boundary line; and title verification is the process of examining the title records to confirm ownership. While all these processes are vital in real estate, title clearing specifically addresses the resolution of any defects in the title, thus making it the correct answer in this context.