Which term is the method based on an attorney examination of the history of the title?

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

Answer: (C)

The method described is attorney's opinion. In this approach, a lawyer reviews the title’s history by examining public records—deeds, liens, judgments, and other encumbrances—and then issues a professional opinion about whether the title is marketable and what defects or issues exist. This relies on the attorney’s judgment rather than a formal abstract or insurer-issued certificate.

It differs from an abstract title, which is a compiled summary of the title history prepared by a title abstractor, and from a certificate of title, which is a formal certification of title often issued by a title company after its own examination. It also isn’t just listing the chain of ownership—that concept is the chain title.