Quiet Title Costs
I have read others on here say you can get a quiet title done for $400. I have called 4 lawyers and the cheapest was $2,000. I am near Jacksonville. Is this what it costs elsewhere ??? I want the $400 
what is 'Quiet Title'?
This is as I understand it from my lawyer I am buying a lot and the title search showed someone on the title in addition to the seller. The seller claims not to know this other person and if he did know this person he has not seen them for 30 years sigh ...the attorney told me I could go to court and publish a search in the paper for this other person and then ( after $2,000) I would have legal title to the property..unless she shows up ackkk !!!
Court action to remove a cloud on the title. Such a suit usually arises when there is some question about clear title, there exists some recorded problem (such as an old lease or failure to clear title after payment of a mortgage), an error in description which casts doubt on the amount of property owned, or an easement used for years without a recorded description.
An action for quiet title requires description of the property to be "quieted," naming as defendants anyone who might have an interest (including descendants-known or unknown- of prior owners), and the factual and legal basis for the claim of title. Notice must be given to all potentially interested parties, including known and unknown, by publication. If the court is convinced title is in the plaintiff (the plaintiff owns the title), a quiet title judgment will be granted which can be recorded and thus provide legal "good title." Quiet title actions are a common example of "friendly" lawsuits in which often there is no opposition.
Any idea what would happen if this other party did see the publication and show up after 30 years ???
Can't imagine any lawyer doing it with less than a full day's work, on basic prelim. research, drafting his pleadings for court, filing same, serving on all other parties determined to be necessary, then handling the actual court appearance, etc
So IMHO, NO smart lawyer would agree to touch it for less than $2,000...and that's on the LOW side.
If there are any real issues to be determined by the Court, and any other paries with any real opposing interests, there could be LOTS of extra work, such as discovery, evidence prep, etc...so the fee could go WAY up from the basic, if uncontested, $2,000.
FYI, I've recently been involved with one in which I have better than 100 hours invested...now, I am a principal in that deal, and it's strictly for me, so I've undoubtedly invested more hours than I could/would have for any client, but it has proved to me what a time intensive project it can be.
Knowing the subject and lawyers as I do, I might have some ideas that could be of value to you and would be glad to chat on the phone with you, if you'd call me on (253) 228-2277 PST.
Merry Christmas
John Merchant