California Quiet Title Action: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about filing a quiet title action in California—costs, timeline, legal requirements, and when you actually need one.
California Quiet Title Cost Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $435 - $450 |
| Service of Process | $75 - $200 per defendant |
| Publication (if needed) | $300 - $800 |
| Title Search | $250 - $500 |
| Attorney Fees(Uncontested) | $3,000 - $8,000 (uncontested) |
| Total Range | $3,500 - $10,000 (uncontested) | $10,000 - $25,000+ (contested) |
Costs vary by county and case complexity. Contested cases involving disputes or trials can significantly exceed these estimates.
California Quiet Title Timeline
Title Examination & Complaint
2-4 weeksComprehensive title search, identification of all parties with potential claims, complaint drafting.
Filing & Lis Pendens
1-2 weeksComplaint filed with Superior Court. Lis pendens recorded to provide notice of pending action.
Service of Process
3-8 weeksPersonal service on all defendants. If not locatable, motion for service by publication.
Publication (if ordered)
4-6 weeksFour consecutive weekly publications. 30-day response period after last publication.
Response Period
30 daysDefendants have 30 days to respond to complaint.
Default or Trial
4-12 weeksRequest for default judgment if no response. Trial setting if contested.
Judgment & Recording
2-4 weeksCourt enters judgment quieting title. Abstract of judgment recorded.
Note: These timelines assume an uncontested action. If any party disputes your claim, the process can extend significantly due to discovery, motions, and potential trial.
California Legal Requirements
- Governing Statute
- California Code of Civil Procedure Section 760.010 et seq.
- Court
- Superior Court
- Jurisdiction
- County where property is located
- Service Requirements
- Personal service required on all known defendants. Service by publication permitted only after court order upon showing defendant cannot be served personally after diligent search.
- Publication Requirements
- Publication must be once per week for 4 weeks in newspaper of general circulation. Court approval required before publication service.
When You Need a Quiet Title in California
- Clearing title after county tax sale purchase
- Removing old deeds of trust that were paid but not reconveyed
- Heir property with deceased owners still on title
- Boundary line disputes with neighbors
- Establishing title through adverse possession (5-year statutory period)
- Clearing judgment liens older than 10 years
- Resolving breaks in chain of title
California-Specific Considerations
- California is a tax deed state with a 1-year redemption period
- Tax deed excess proceeds must be claimed within 1 year of deed recording
- California's quiet title process is generally slower than other states
- Lis pendens filing is critical to preserve priority
- Declaratory relief can be combined with quiet title for lien disputes
- California courts require detailed evidence of title history
Alternatives to Quiet Title in California
Declaratory Relief
Court declaration of rights regarding specific title issues without full quiet title.
Best for: Disputes about specific liens or deed interpretations
Stipulated Judgment
Agreement between parties submitted to court for entry as judgment.
Best for: When adverse parties are cooperative
Curative Recording
Recording of corrective documents, affidavits, or releases to address specific defects.
Best for: Technical defects that can be cured with proper documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quiet title action cost in California?
California quiet title actions typically cost $3,500-$10,000 for uncontested matters, including attorney fees, filing fees ($435-450), service costs, title search, and publication if needed. Contested cases can exceed $15,000-$25,000.
How long does a quiet title take in California?
Uncontested California quiet title actions typically take 6-9 months due to court backlogs. Cases requiring publication add 2-3 months. Contested matters can take 12-18 months or longer.
Do I need quiet title after a California tax sale?
Usually yes. California tax deeds extinguish most liens but title companies typically require quiet title to insure the property. After the 1-year redemption period expires, quiet title confirms the purchaser's ownership.
What is the redemption period for California tax sales?
California has a 1-year "right of redemption" after the tax deed is recorded. During this period, the former owner can redeem by paying the purchase price plus costs. Quiet title is typically filed after redemption expires.
Can I file quiet title myself in California?
While possible as a self-represented party, California's complex procedural requirements make this challenging. Errors in service, publication orders, or default prove-up can result in dismissal or voidable judgments.
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