Opinion ID: 1987036
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Applicability of the MTA to Torrens property

Text: Having reviewed the history and purpose of both the Torrens Act and the MTA, we now proceed to determine whether the MTA is applicable to property registered under the Torrens system. In construing the MTA, we first must look at the specific language to determine its meaning. If a statute is free from ambiguity, we look only at its plain language. Tuma v. Comm'r of Econ. Sec., 386 N.W.2d 702, 706 (Minn.1986). Here, the language of the MTA clearly and unambiguously states that it applies to any real estate. See Minn.Stat. § 541.023, subd. 1. While the MTA provides several exceptions to this mandate, it noticeably fails to exempt Torrens property. Further, the MTA also requires that a notice to preserve an interest within 40 years of its creation must be filed in the office of the county recorder, which handles abstract property, or the office of the registrar of titles, which handles Torrens property exclusively. The language that specifically provides for the recording of notice in the office of the registrar of titles would be unnecessary if the legislature did not contemplate that the MTA would be applicable to Torrens property. Consequently, the plain language of the MTA leads us to hold that the MTA applies to property registered pursuant to the Torrens Act.