Legal Definitions - burnt-records act

The burnt-records act is a law that allows a property owner to establish ownership of their property if the public records for the property have been lost or destroyed in a disaster. This law is important because it helps property owners who may have lost their records due to unforeseen circumstances such as fires, floods, or other natural disasters.

For example, if a property owner's house burns down and all the public records for the property are destroyed, the owner can use the burnt-records act to establish ownership of the property. The owner would need to provide evidence of their ownership, such as a deed or other legal documents, and file a petition with the court to quiet title.

Another example could be if a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado destroys the public records for a property, the owner can use the burnt-records act to establish ownership and prevent any disputes over the property.

These examples illustrate how the burnt-records act can help property owners establish ownership of their property even if the public records have been lost or destroyed due to unforeseen circumstances.