Chain of title

What chain of title means

In short, chain of title definition is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where chain of title definition comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

Start with the primary source. For example, if chain of title definition appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read chain of title definition in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Assignment of mortgage: a recorded document transferring the mortgagee's interest in a mortgage or deed of trust to another party.
• Burden of proof: the obligation to prove a fact or claim to the required standard.
• Caption: the heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.
• Class action: a lawsuit in which one or more people sue or are sued as representatives of a larger group.
• Clerk of court: the court officer who maintains records, accepts filings and performs duties assigned by the rules, such as entering defaults.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.