When questions about the title to property arise, it’s important to have the right legal guidance. At Metz & Jones, LLC, our experienced property title attorneys in Chicago help individuals and families ensure their property is titled correctly, disputes are avoided, and ownership rights are fully protected.
Whether you’re buying a home, retitling assets after marriage, or planning your estate, we provide clear advice and personalized solutions.
What Is a Title to a Property?
A title to property is a legal concept that denotes the ownership of a property. A deed is a legal document that proves who owns said property. Property can be either personal or real estate, and there are several types of real estate titles. Having a property title attorney review your documents helps ensure your ownership rights are clearly defined and legally protected.
How a Title to Property Attorney Can Help You
Under Illinois law, there are different forms of title to property. The way your real estate or personal property is titled can affect probate, divorce, and inheritance outcomes. Without proper planning, ownership disputes or unintended results may arise.
Our experienced property title lawyers can:
- Review and correct deeds or title documents
- Advise on the best form of title for your situation
- Protect your property from disputes or creditors
- Ensure your partner, spouse, or heirs are legally protected
Our LGBTQ estate planning and real estate attorneys are here to make sure that your assets are properly titled and help you retitle assets in a form that protects you!
Who Do Our Property Title Attorneys in Chicago Help?
We represent individuals and families from all walks of life, including high-net-worth clients with complex holdings. In particular, we help members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often need to take extra steps to safeguard their inheritance and property rights.
Types of Property Titles in Illinois
Real property, such as a house, vacation home, or timeshare, can be owned in several ways:
- Sole Ownership: A single individual holds full legal title to the property. Upon death, the property becomes part of that person’s estate and is subject to probate unless otherwise directed by a will or trust.
- Tenants by Entirety: This is available only to couples who are married or in a civil union. Tenants by entirety protects against creditors, as your spouse’s creditors cannot place a lien or foreclosure on your shared residence.
- Joint Tenants: Two or more parties can declare joint ownership on the property deed.
- Tenants in Common: In a tenancy in common, multiple individuals share the title together, but the ownership percentages may differ.
With tenants by the entirety or joint tenancy, ownership automatically passes to the surviving co-owner(s) when one owner dies. However, property owned as tenants in common or by a sole owner reverts to the estate of the deceased and must go through probate. This can delay heirs from taking possession or selling.
Couples who fail to designate title as joint tenants or tenants by the entirety may leave a surviving partner at risk of losing their home.
Personal Property Titles
Personal property includes vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, and other assets that can carry a title. These may be owned jointly or individually with a designated beneficiary. A property title lawyer can help you choose the right title option based on your estate planning goals.
Common Title Issues and Dispute Resolution
Even with careful planning, property ownership can be challenged or complicated by title issues. Our experienced property title attorneys in Chicago regularly assist clients with problems such as:
- Defective or missing deeds
- Boundary disputes or encroachments
- Undisclosed liens or judgments
- Fraudulent transfers or forged signatures
- Inheritance and probate conflicts
When these issues arise, our property title lawyers provide guidance and, when necessary, represent clients in court through quiet title actions and other forms of real estate litigation.
Why Addressing Title Problems Matters
Ignoring title problems can lead to serious consequences. Ownership disputes can drag on for years, preventing you from selling, refinancing, or passing your property on to heirs. In some cases, failing to resolve a defect could even put your ownership at risk. By working with a knowledgeable title attorney, you can address these issues early and protect your investment.
Ensure Your Property Is Titled in a Way That Protects You
Our experienced legal team can help you look at your real estate and personal possessions in a strategic light. To discuss your title to property with an LGBTQ+ lawyer in Chicago, contact Metz & Jones, LLC. We have over 40 years of experience helping clients throughout Illinois tackle real estate law matters, estate planning questions, and more.
Call us at (773) 878-4480 or contact us online.
Serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community & Friends in Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois.