If you’re one of the nearly 66% of Americans who own their homes, you know that property is a major investment. Your property ownership provides you security and safety now. Not only that, your property will be your legacy to leave to your loved ones in the future.

Are you protected against threats and claims on your property? Many Americans get caught up in property disputes that can lead to lawsuits and huge bills. Avoid a nasty surprise in the future by taking legal steps to protect yourself today.

Curious about how to prove ownership of your property? Keep reading for three legal actions you can take to prove your land belongs to you. 

1. Establish Joint Property Ownership

If you hold property with your partner, you should establish yourself as a joint owner. This ensures that if one of you passes, the other becomes the sole owner of your property.

This means you avoid messy fighting and don’t need to specify ownership in your will. If you choose to set up this type of deed, you must also be prepared to file an affidavit of survivorship.

An affidavit of survivorship is when the survivor gives a sworn statement. They’ll file this with the government, along with a copy of the death certificate. This will be filed in your county and will act as proof against further property disputes. 

2. File a Quiet Title Action 

If you’re worried about disputes around your property, you can file a quiet title action. This means you present all evidence and arguments for why the property is yours to a court.

This helps clear up any issues around title ownership. It also means that you have added legal protection should anyone try to take over your property.

You can learn more about filing a quiet title action here. 

3. Keep a Copy of Your Warranty Deed

You’ll want to get a notarized copy of your warranty deed. If you lose it you can pay for a new copy at your local county office. This notarized document is your proof of property ownership.

It means that the person who sold it to you is transferring it to you, completely, and with a clear title. You must receive this copy during the closing process of buying your property. 

Warranty deeds are not the only deed you may want. If someone you know, such as a family member, may try to claim ownership, you can ask them to file a quit claim deed.

In this case, they acknowledge they do not have any claim on your property, even if they once did. You’ll need this if you want to sell or refinance in the future. It saves you from costly legal action in the future while securing your claim. 

Handle Property Disputes With This Legal Advice

Next time you’re worried about potential property disputes, you’ll know how to prepare. You can prove ownership, set up clear inheritance processes, and fend off lawsuits.

You’re protecting yourself today and in the future. Want to learn more about how to best protect your investments? Check out our Homes and Business sections for more informative articles.