Title and closing
Liens, UCC Filings & Encumbrances
A buyer needs to understand whether lenders, taxing authorities, lessors or other parties may claim an interest in assets expected to transfer at closing.
Buyer lens
Coordinate searches and payoff evidence with counsel rather than assuming possession means clear title.
Seller lens
Identify filings and payoff requirements early so releases do not become a last-minute closing condition.
Why it matters
- A filing can cover broad asset categories.
- Paid obligations may still have unreleased records.
- Search results require legal interpretation and transaction-specific clearance.
Evidence to reconcile
- UCC and lien searches
- Debt schedules
- Payoff letters
- Asset titles
- Release and closing documentation