Paramount Title Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Paramount Title, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Paramount Title?

In the law related to the real property, the paramount title refers to the ownership that is superior or stronger than the one with which it is compared to. Normally such titles are the parent titles from which the other titles are derived.

History and Meaning of Paramount Title

The term 'Paramount Title' is commonly used in the field of real estate law to refer to the strongest and superior form of ownership. The paramount title is the 'parent title' from which other types of title are derived. Generally, it refers to ownership rights that are unencumbered by any other claim, lien or encumbrance, thus being free from any defects in the title.

The concept of paramount title can be traced back to the early common law of England, where it was used to settle disputes related to land ownership. It was used to distinguish between a title that was superior to others, vested in the king or the sovereign, from titles that were derived from it.

Examples of Paramount Title

  1. A homeowner has a paramount title to his property if he owns it outright, free from any mortgages or liens.
  2. If a company purchases a piece of land free and clear from any claims, the company would hold a paramount title to that property.
  3. If a person inherits a property directly from their parents, who themselves had a clear title, then that heir would hold a paramount title.

Legal Terms Similar to Paramount Title

  1. Dominion – Refers to the title or absolute ownership of a property or asset
  2. Fee simple – An ownership interest in which the owner has the greatest possible control over the property
  3. Quitclaim deed – A legal instrument used to transfer ownership of property from one person to another, with no guarantees regarding the quality or extent of the grantor's ownership interest.