Practice Areas

Title Insurance Claims & Coverage

Clearing the Way for Secure Real Estate Transactions

When title issues surface, we don’t just read the fine print - we rewrite the outcome.

At Irelan | Stephens, we protect what matters most in real estate transactions—your ownership rights. When a title insurance issue threatens your investment, you need a legal team that not only understands the fine print of title insurance policies, but also how to effectively litigate coverage disputes. With decades of experience representing title insurance companies, lenders, and property owners, we bring a strategic advantage to even the most complex claims.

"When your property rights are on the line, experience matters."
concept image of person signing title insurance

What Are Title Insurance Claims?

Title insurance is meant to protect buyers and lenders from losses resulting from defects in a property’s title. These issues may include:

  • Undisclosed liens or encumbrances
  • Errors in public records
  • Fraud or forgery in prior transactions
  • Unknown heirs with claims to the property
  • Boundary disputes
  • Invalid deeds or probate issues

While title insurance is designed to prevent surprises, disputes still arise—often years after a property is purchased. When they do, the language in the policy and the actions taken by the insurer can determine whether the insured is covered or left exposed.

How Title Insurance Attorneys Help

When a title insurance dispute arises, it often sits at the intersection of real estate law, insurance coverage, and litigation strategy. These cases can quickly become complex, involving multiple stakeholders, dense policy language, and legal questions that hinge on technicalities and timing. Whether you’re a national title insurance provider facing a disputed claim, a homeowner blindsided by a title defect, or a lender caught in the middle of a quiet title battle, the right legal representation is essential. At Irelan | Stephens, we specialize in navigating these complexities. Our attorneys understand not only the legal theories behind title insurance coverage, but also the practical realities of real estate transactions. We protect our clients by interpreting policy obligations, litigating disputes, and resolving issues that threaten property rights—swiftly and effectively.

Policy Analysis and Coverage Disputes

Not all claims are created equal—and not all policies cover what clients assume. We carefully examine the specific language of your title insurance policy, including endorsements, exceptions, and exclusions. Our attorneys interpret the legal boundaries of coverage, determine insurer obligations, and assess liability exposure. Whether you’re a title company unsure about the extent of your duty to defend, or a property owner confused by a denied claim, we bring precision and clarity to your legal position.

Title disputes can threaten entire deals or long-held ownership. We represent both insurers and insureds in these battles. On behalf of insurance companies, we defend against meritless claims, mitigate risk exposure, and pursue swift resolutions. For homeowners and commercial property owners, we build cases to prove coverage should apply and fight for reimbursement of covered losses. Whether in mediation, arbitration, or trial, we push for favorable results with efficiency and force.

When a title insurer fails to uphold its contractual obligations—by denying a valid claim, delaying unreasonably, or offering an unfair settlement—we take action. Texas law recognizes the right to pursue bad faith insurance claims when insurers act dishonestly or unfairly. We help clients recover damages for breach of contract and, when applicable, seek punitive damages to hold insurers accountable for misconduct.

Sometimes the only way to resolve a title defect is through court intervention. We represent clients in quiet title lawsuits, partition actions, declaratory judgment suits, and other legal proceedings to eliminate clouds on title. Whether the problem is an old lien, an improperly recorded deed, a boundary dispute, or a probate error, we initiate or defend litigation to restore clear, marketable title—ensuring you can buy, sell, or develop the property without interference.

Preventing a problem is often more cost-effective than fixing one. That’s why we also offer legal counsel during the real estate transaction process. We help buyers, lenders, and title companies identify and resolve potential title issues before closing, evaluate risk exposure, and structure deals to avoid future litigation. With our team in your corner, you gain the confidence to close major transactions with eyes wide open.

Why Choose Irelan | Stephens?

Specialized Knowledge. Relentless Advocacy. Proven Results.

Irelan | Stephens is not just another litigation firm—we are trusted advisors in the highly specialized world of title insurance claims and coverage. Here’s what sets us apart:

Deep Industry Insight

Our attorneys have represented both national title insurance underwriters and policyholders. This dual perspective gives us unmatched insight into how claims are evaluated—and how to gain a strategic advantage in negotiations or litigation.

Real Estate Law Is Our Foundation

Our firm’s core strength lies in real estate and business litigation. We’ve built our reputation handling disputes involving high-value commercial properties, residential developments, and complex title issues across Texas.

Decades of Trial Experience

When litigation is necessary, our team brings decades of courtroom experience to the table. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—and that preparation often leads to favorable settlements before trial is ever needed.

Focused, Responsive Representation

We know that real estate disputes can cause transaction delays, financial losses, and stress. That’s why we offer personalized attention, clear communication, and practical legal strategies to resolve title issues quickly and efficiently.

Who We Represent

Title Insurance Companies

We provide coverage opinions, defense against insured claims, and recovery actions.

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Homeowners & Buyers

We help policyholders understand their rights and recover losses when coverage is denied.

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Lenders & Developers

We work to resolve title issues before or after closings to protect large-scale investments.

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Real Estate Agents & Brokers

We offer legal support when a title defect jeopardizes a client’s deal or reputation.

Contact Irelan | Stephens Today

Whether you’re facing a denied title insurance claim or seeking legal counsel before a major real estate transaction, Irelan | Stephens is ready to help. We offer smart, strategic legal solutions tailored to the needs of lenders, insurers, and property owners.

Because in real estate, certainty isn’t a luxury—it’s a legal necessity.

Schedule a Consultation Today

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