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Property OwnershipRecordingHARD

In 2019, Owner A grants a mortgage to Bank X, which records it promptly. In 2021, Owner A grants a second mortgage to Bank Y, which also records it. In 2023, Owner A grants a third mortgage to Bank Z, which records it. Owner A then defaults on all three mortgages. Bank Y initiates a strict foreclosure action in Connecticut but fails to name Bank Z as a defendant. The court enters a judgment of strict foreclosure in favor of Bank Y, and no party redeems. What is the effect of Bank Y's strict foreclosure on Bank Z's mortgage?

Correct Answer

D) Bank Z's mortgage survives because Bank Z was not named as a defendant and therefore was not bound by the foreclosure judgment

In Connecticut strict foreclosure proceedings, only parties who are named as defendants and properly served are bound by the foreclosure judgment. If Bank Z was not named as a defendant in Bank Y's foreclosure action, Bank Z's mortgage interest was not adjudicated and therefore survives the foreclosure. Bank Y would take title subject to Bank Z's mortgage. This is a critical procedural requirement — a foreclosing party must join all junior lienholders as defendants to extinguish their interests. CGS § 49-17 and related provisions require proper joinder.

Answer Options
A
Bank Z's mortgage is extinguished because all junior liens are automatically cut off by any strict foreclosure judgment
B
Bank Z's mortgage is extinguished because Bank Y's lien was senior to Bank Z's and recording priority controls
C
Bank Z's mortgage is extinguished but Bank Z may seek a deficiency judgment against Owner A personally
D
Bank Z's mortgage survives because Bank Z was not named as a defendant and therefore was not bound by the foreclosure judgment

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

strict_foreclosurejoinderlien_prioritydue_processforeclosure_procedure

Related Concepts

Fee simple absolute is the highest and most complete form of property ownership, giving the owner unrestricted rights to use, possess, enjoy, and dispose of the property. It is of unlimited duration and fully inheritable.

Community property is a system where property acquired during a marriage is owned equally by both spouses.

A freehold estate represents ownership of real property with an indefinite duration.

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