What is called the effort to remove defects or clouds on a title?

The process referred to as the effort to remove defects or clouds on a title is known as a quiet title action. This legal proceeding is essential for establishing clear ownership of property by eliminating claims against the title that could be raised by others. Such claims can arise from various sources, like disputes over boundaries, liens, or unresolved heirship issues.

A quiet title action can be initiated by a property owner to confirm their rights and seek resolution in court when there is uncertainty or contention regarding the title. Once the court determines that there are no legitimate claims against the title, a judgment is rendered that affirms the owner's title, effectively "quieting" any disputes.

The other choices, while related to property and title, do not specifically entail the removal of defects or clouds on a title. Title confirmation might imply verifying the accuracy of a title but lacks the legal enforcement aspect of confronting claims. Property verification generally involves checking property characteristics or ownership status but does not address legal disputes over ownership. Escrow clearance usually relates to the process of settling accounts in an escrow agreement rather than resolving title issues directly.