Sarah receives a deed to property in Jacksonville but discovers that the previous owner had recorded a deed with a forged signature five years ago. The forged deed is still in the chain of title. What is the legal status of Sarah's deed?

Correct Answer

B) Invalid, because a forged deed is void and conveys no title

Correct: B - Invalid, because a forged deed is void and conveys no title. A forged deed is void ab initio (from the beginning) and conveys no title, regardless of recording or good faith reliance by subsequent purchasers. Why not A: This option is incorrect because "Valid, because she relied on the recorded chain of title" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "Invalid, because a forged deed is void and conveys no title". A forged deed is void ab initio (from the beginning) and conveys no title, regardless of recording or good faith reliance by subsequent purchasers. Why not C: This option is incorrect because "Valid, if she can prove she was a bona fide purchaser" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "Invalid, because a forged deed is void and conveys no title". A forged deed is void ab initio (from the beginning) and conveys no title, regardless of recording or good faith reliance by subsequent purchasers. Why not D: This option is incorrect because "Valid, because of the statute of limitations on challenging deeds" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "Invalid, because a forged deed is void and conveys no title". A forged deed is void ab initio (from the beginning) and conveys no title, regardless of recording or good faith reliance by subsequent purchasers.