A Title Search covering a period to an instrument recorded at least 40 years is sufficient for a title purview of the Marketable Record Title Act (27 V.S.A., Ch 5), provided that the basis thereof is a deed, a deed under some governmental authority, a probate proceeding in which the property is reasonably identified or described, a mortgage deed subsequently foreclosed, or any other instrument which shows of record reasonable probability of title and possession thereunder, provided further, that none of the title instruments within that period actually searched discloses any title defects or outstanding interests in third parties, in which case, the search should be extended beyond the 40-year period in order to determine the existence and validity of such defects or interests at the time of the search.
Comment 1. Quit Claim deeds have been commonly used as an instrument of conveyance throughout the history of conveyancing in Vermont, and therefore may serve as the root deed of a search. Nevertheless, the title examiner should be aware that a Quit Claim deed is also used as an instrument of release and does not therefore necessarily purport to convey any interest whatsoever. The examiner should be conscious of the circumstances surrounding the Quit Claim deed apparent from the records and must understand that it may be appropriate to continue the search to an earlier deed if the circumstances warrant.