After the abstract is completed, the title is examined by an attorney and an opinion is issued. What is this document called?

• A. Abstract title
• B. Chain title
• C. Certificate of title
• D. Attorney's opinion

Answer: (D)

In real estate, after the title search is completed and the abstract of title is prepared, an attorney reviews the recorded documents to form a professional assessment of the title’s status. The document that results from this review is the attorney’s opinion, which states whether the title can be transferred without defects that would hinder ownership or require clearing liens or encumbrances. This opinion helps lenders and buyers gauge risk before closing and often accompanies title insurance decisions.

The other terms refer to different parts of the title process. The abstract title is the summarized history of the title itself, not the formal conclusion by a lawyer. A chain title describes the recorded sequence of ownership but isn’t a specific legal opinion. A certificate of title is a separate type of document some jurisdictions issue to certify ownership status; it is not the attorney’s professional opinion produced after reviewing the abstract.