Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Minnesota

I purchased a home summer 2009. The title company who closed the deal did not pay off judgments against the previous owner at close. I did purchase title insurance from the title company and have the settlement statement to show it. I was not made aware of any judgments at the time of closing. The title company never sent me an owner's policy, and promptly dissapeared from the state. The company still does business in Aurora (Chicago), IL. I just sold the house last week and this is when I found out about the title judgements. The people working for the title company have completely avoided my (and my new closer's) calls and emails. I had to escrow 150% of the judgement total in order to sell the home on time. How do I now go about clearing the title through the court system? I know where the judgements were filed and have the case numbers and dates. The court simply said find a lawyer and would not tell me how to proceed. I certainly do not want to pay legal fees to take care of some deadbeat's debts if I can avoid it. I'm assuming the title company, Law Title, will not play ball as they are doing their best to ignore us, even though I know my policy exists with them as an underwriter for Fidelity was able to find. Thanks!


Asked on 4/27/10, 12:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Reiff Reiff Law Office

I think the judge correctly advised you that you need to hire an attorney. I do a lot of title work to fix closers' mistakes, and your situation is particularly messy. This is not something that is an easy fix to be done via e-mail.

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Answered on 5/03/10, 8:55 am


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