Most title defects are cured administratively rather than by litigation, and knowing the standard fixes saves weeks.

Undischarged mortgages. Payoff and recorded discharge, or where the lender no longer exists, a statutory affidavit procedure available in many states after a period.

Name discrepancies. A scrivener’s affidavit or a correction deed where the grantor is available.

Missing signatures or acknowledgments. A confirmatory deed, or a curative statute validating instruments after a period.

Deceased owners. Probate, or where available a small estate procedure, affidavit of survivorship for joint tenancies, or a determination of heirs proceeding.

Judgment and tax liens. Payoff and release, or a court order where the lien has expired by statute but remains of record.

Old easements and restrictions. Release from the holder, or reliance on a marketable title act extinguishing interests not re-recorded within the statutory period.

Gaps in the chain. A quiet title action where affidavits will not satisfy the underwriter.

The practical route. Ask the title underwriter what it will accept before choosing a method. Underwriters have internal standards for what supports insuring over a defect, and a curative approach that satisfies them is worth more than one that is theoretically sound.