Texas Title Examination Standards
Purpose Statement
The Texas Title Examination Standards are guidelines intended to assist title examiners and others called upon to assess the marketability of land titles, focusing on the manner in which a prudent examiner approaches matters that may be encountered during the course of examination. The standards are compiled by a board consisting of Texas experts in the title examination field.
In 1989, the Council of the Section of Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law of the State Bar of Texas approved the formation of a committee to study the formulation and development of title examination standards. The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section soon became a co-sponsor. After a great deal of study of the use of title examination standards of other states and many hours of drafting and meeting time, the committee (now the "Title Standards Joint Editorial Board"), proposed the first Texas Title Examination Standards, which were approved by REPTL and OGERL at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on June 27, 1997.
The Title Standards Joint Editorial Board appointed by the two sections now meets at least semiannually to consider additional standards, amendments to existing standards, and commentary. Amendments and new standards are presented to the membership of the two sections prior to formal adoption by the Sections. The Board itself makes changes to the comments and cautions as needed. The Board welcomes comments and suggestions, which may be submitted to the chair or to the editor.