Centurion Properties III, LLC v. Chicago Title Insurance Co.

¶1 The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit certified the following question to this court: “Does a title company owe a duty of care to third parties in the recording of legal instruments?” We answer the certified question no and hold that title companies do not owe a duty of care to third parties in the recording of legal instruments. Such a duty is contrary to Washington’s policy and precedent, and other duty of care considerations.

FACTS

¶2 This certified question arises from a civil action for money damages filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District…