A clean title is essential to sell, refinance or develop property. Old deeds of trust, unreleased liens, vague legal descriptions and competing ownership claims can stop a transaction cold.
Halinen Law Offices helps owners and buyers identify and clear title defects—through corrective documents, negotiated releases, or quiet title litigation when needed.
Common Situations We Help With
- A title report shows exceptions you do not understand.
- An old lien or deed of trust was never released.
- A neighbor claims part of your property through adverse possession.
- The legal description does not match the property on the ground.
- Heirs or prior owners have unresolved interests in the property.
Facing one of these issues?
Early advice usually costs less and preserves more options. Call for a free consultation.
Call Now for a Free ConsultationHow We Approach Property Title Issues
Title review
We analyze title commitments and recorded documents and explain which exceptions matter.
Curative work
We prepare corrective deeds, releases and agreements to clear defects without litigation.
Quiet title actions
When needed, we bring quiet title and adverse possession actions in Pierce County Superior Court.
Title insurance
We work with title companies on endorsements and claims.
Results You Can Expect
- Marketable, insurable title
- Removed clouds and liens
- Resolved ownership disputes
- Deals that close on time
Property Title Issues in Tacoma & Pierce County
Many Pierce County parcels trace back to early plats, railroad grants and rural homesteads, leaving a trail of historical easements and imprecise descriptions—especially in established Tacoma neighborhoods and rural areas near Orting and Buckley.
We serve clients in Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Fircrest, Ruston, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, Sumner, Bonney Lake and throughout the Puget Sound region.
Property Title Issues FAQ
What is a quiet title action?
A lawsuit asking the court to determine ownership and remove competing claims, producing a judgment that can be recorded.
How long does adverse possession take in Washington?
Generally ten years of open, notorious, continuous, exclusive and hostile possession, or seven years with color of title and payment of taxes.
Can title problems be fixed without going to court?
Often, yes, through releases, corrective deeds or boundary agreements.
Will title insurance cover my problem?
It depends on the policy and exceptions. We can review your policy and help pursue a claim.