A quiet title action—also known as a trespass to try title action—is a lawsuit against a party who claims an interest in a piece of real property (land). In a quiet title action, the plaintiff seeks to establish the plaintiff’s title (ownership interest) in the land by forcing the adverse claimant (the defendant) to establish or prove an interest in the land or be forever estopped (precluded) from asserting an interest in the land.

The resolution of such a lawsuit is designed to settle or quiet a disputed claim to title or ownership of the land.

Laws regarding quiet title actions may vary from state to state and may be located in a state’s statutes or in its court opinions (common law or case law). The terms used for such a claim may also vary and in some states there may be a distinction between a quiet title claim and a trespass to try title claim—or a quiet title claim may be treated as an informal reference to a trespass to try title claim.

In Pennsylvania, a quiet title action is a legal proceeding used to resolve disputes over the ownership of real property. This type of lawsuit allows an individual or entity to establish their title against various claims or interests from others. The plaintiff, who is the party seeking to 'quiet' the title, asks the court to issue an order confirming their title and eliminating any other claims. The defendant in this case would be any party that is alleged to have an interest in the property that is adverse to the plaintiff's interest. The outcome of a quiet title action in Pennsylvania is a court judgment that clarifies the ownership of the property and can remove any clouds on the title, such as liens, claims by previous owners, or other encumbrances. The process and requirements for a quiet title action in Pennsylvania are governed by state statutes and case law. It is important for individuals involved in such disputes to consult with an attorney who is experienced in real estate law to navigate the complexities of these legal proceedings.