Losing a deed doesn’t mean you’ve lost ownership, but it can create serious title problems.
Why Lost Deeds Cause Issues
The deed is proof of ownership. If it’s missing in a county’s official records, or it’s incorrect:
- Ownership may not be verifiable
- Title companies may refuse to insure
- Buyers may back out
This is common with older land transfers, and inter-family ownership transfers.
Can a Lost Deed Be Fixed?
Often, yes, but it may require:
- Re-recording documents
- Affidavits
- Legal action in some cases
The solution depends on how the land changed hands.