alias title
Definition
An alias title is an alternative name under which a property or legal document has been recorded or identified at some point in its history. Think of it as a nickname or alternate identity that a piece of property has carried in official records, often because of a name change, a clerical error, or different ownership structures over time. Knowing about alias titles matters because they connect the dots between different historical records that all refer to the same property.
Example
If you buy a building that was once owned by 'Johnson Family Trust' but later recorded under 'Robert Johnson Properties LLC,' the earlier name might appear as an alias title in the property's chain of ownership documents.
Watch Out
When doing a title search before purchasing property, your attorney or title company needs to search under all alias titles to make sure no hidden liens or claims are lurking under an older name.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.