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A New Jersey title searcher is examining the chain of title for a residential property in Monmouth County. She discovers a gap in the chain — a deed recorded in 1987 references a prior deed that never appears in the county records. Which New Jersey legal concept is most directly relevant to resolving this chain of title problem?

Correct Answer

B) The Marketable Title Act, which extinguishes certain interests not re-recorded within a specified period

New Jersey's Marketable Title Act (N.J.S.A. 46:30B-1 et seq.) is designed to simplify title examination by extinguishing old claims, interests, and encumbrances that have not been re-recorded or asserted within a specified period (generally 30 years). It allows title searchers to limit their search to a defined root of title and helps resolve gaps and stale claims in the chain of title, making it the most directly relevant doctrine for this situation.

Answer Options
A
The doctrine of adverse possession, which can cure title defects after 30 years of open and notorious possession
B
The Marketable Title Act, which extinguishes certain interests not re-recorded within a specified period
C
The New Jersey Realty Transfer Fee Act, which requires all prior deeds to be re-filed upon each subsequent sale
D
The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which imposes liability on sellers who fail to disclose title gaps

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

recordingchain_of_titlemarketable_title_acttitle_searchtitle_defect

Related Concepts

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

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold equal, undivided interests in property with the right of survivorship. When one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants.

A leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a defined period of time, without conferring ownership.

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