Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Title (property): Title is the legal proof that someone owns something, like a house or a car. It's different from just having the thing in your possession. You can show your title with a document, like a deed or certificate of title. Different people can own something together, like a house, and they can have different types of title, like joint tenancy or tenancy in common. Even companies and other groups can own things and have title to them.
In property matters, title refers to the legal basis of ownership. It is different from possession and is sometimes used interchangeably with absolute ownership. Title is represented by documents that prove ownership, such as a deed or certificate of title. For example, a certificate of title is used to prove ownership of a car.
When it comes to real property, title can be held in different ways. It can be held solely, collectively, collectively with the right of survivorship, via joint tenancy, or with tenancy in common. Legal entities such as corporations, trusts, partnerships, and limited liability companies can also hold title to property.
For instance, if a person buys a house, they receive a deed that proves they own the property. The deed is the document that represents the title to the property. Similarly, if a group of people buys a piece of land together, they can hold title to the property collectively with tenancy in common.