SHORT ANSWERS
1. James and Paris purchased a home from David and Dana and purchased an owner’s policy of
title insurance in connection with the purchase. After the sale, it was discovered that David and
Dana were separated at the time of the sale and Dana’s signature was forged on the deed. Dana
claims that the deed is void as to her half interest and demands $100,000 for her interest in the
home. James and Paris file a claim with the title insurance company. Will the title insurance
company protect them from Dana’s claim?
2. Good Fortune Company purchases land improved with a building and buys an owner’s title
insurance policy in connection with the purchase. The policy is a standard policy with no
special endorsements. When Good Fortune applies for a permit to open a restaurant, they are
told by the city that the property does not have adequate parking under the zoning ordinance to
be used as a restaurant. Does Good Fortune have any valid claim against the title insurance
company because of this issue?
3. Acme Real Estate Ventures owns a small shopping center. Acme’s ownership is insured by an
owner’s title insurance company. Acme sells the shopping center to Farris Investments. Farris
reviews Acme’s insurance policy showing ownership in Acme and does a title examination
from the date of that policy that shows that Acme has not sold the property. Farris buys the
property but does not get an owner’s policy of title insurance. Later Farris discovers that Acme
did not own the property, as there was a forged deed to one of the previous owners. Can Farris
make a claim against the Acme policy?