What is a 'quiet title action'?

A 'quiet title action' is fundamentally a lawsuit aimed at establishing a party's title to a property and clarifying any disputes regarding ownership. This legal process is essential when there are conflicting claims to a property or uncertainties about who holds the title. The goal of the action is to "quiet" any challenges or claims against the title, thereby affirming the rightful owner's interest in the property.

In practice, a quiet title action can address various issues such as adverse possession claims, boundary disputes, or claims from previous owners. By obtaining a judgment from the court that affirms their ownership, the rightful owner can eliminate competing claims and ensure that their title is clear, which is vital for activities such as selling the property or securing financing.

This action is distinct from other processes like selling unclaimed property or canceling liens, and it serves a specific purpose in property law to ensure clarity and security in ownership rights.