Abstract of Title
Comprehensive title search and examination services for Louisiana real estate transactions.
What Is an Abstract of Title?
An abstract of title is a thorough summary of the recorded history of a property. It traces the chain of ownership from the earliest available records to the present, documenting every deed, mortgage, lien, judgment, and other instrument that affects the title.
The abstract is prepared by a title abstractor who examines public records at the parish clerk of court's office. It is then reviewed by a title examiner -- typically a licensed attorney -- who issues an opinion on the state of the title and identifies any issues that must be resolved.
The abstract is the foundation of every real estate closing. It is what allows a title insurance company to issue a policy and what gives the buyer confidence that they are receiving clear, marketable title.
Why Louisiana Title Searches Are Different
Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. that operates under a civil law system derived from French and Spanish legal traditions. This creates title complexities you will not find anywhere else in the country.
Community Property
Louisiana is a community property state. Assets acquired during marriage are presumed to be community property. Title searches must account for spousal interests even when only one spouse is on the deed.
Successions (Not Probate)
Louisiana uses successions instead of probate. Property cannot pass to heirs by will or intestacy without a formal succession proceeding. Incomplete successions are one of the most common title defects in the state.
Forced Heirship
Louisiana's forced heirship laws guarantee certain children a share of the estate. A title search must verify that forced heirs were properly accounted for in any succession.
French & Spanish Land Grants
Some Louisiana properties trace their ownership back to original French or Spanish land grants. Our experienced abstractors know how to research and document these older chains of title.
Who Needs an Abstract of Title?
Mortgage Lenders
Every mortgage lender requires a title search before approving a loan. The abstract confirms that the seller has clear title and that the lender's lien will have proper priority.
Cash Buyers
Even without a lender requirement, cash buyers should order a title search to protect their investment. Undiscovered liens or ownership disputes can cost far more than the search fee.
Probate & Successions
When property passes through a Louisiana succession, a title search confirms the chain of ownership and identifies any outstanding obligations that must be resolved before the heirs can sell or refinance.
Estate Planning
Attorneys preparing estate plans benefit from a current title search to confirm how property is titled, identify any encumbrances, and ensure the planned disposition will be effective.
Turnaround Times
We offer standard and rush turnaround for title searches and abstracts across all Louisiana parishes.
| Service | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Standard Title Search | 5-7 business days |
| Rush Title Search | 2-3 business days |
| Current Owner Search | 1-2 business days |
Our Abstractors
Southern Title's abstractors have decades of experience searching records in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John, and surrounding parishes. We know the local recording systems, the courthouse staff, and the quirks of Louisiana title law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an abstract of title?+
How is an abstract different from a title search?+
How far back does a title search go in Louisiana?+
What happens if the abstract reveals a title issue?+
Order an Abstract of Title
Submit your request online and our abstractors will get started right away.