Matter Definitions

A matter represents a discrete, title-affecting item extracted from a document. Matters are the fundamental unit of analysis in Platted's examination workflow.

Key concept: A single document can contain multiple matters that belong in different sections. For example, a warranty deed might contain both a Transfer matter (grantor to grantee) and a Restriction matter (building covenants).

Matter Types Overview

Platted recognizes 14 matter types, organized into 10 abstract sections:

Matter Type	Description	Runsheet Section
Transfer	Documents that convey ownership of property	Chain of Title
Encumbrance	Documents that create liens or security interests	Liens & Encumbrances
Release	Documents that release or satisfy an existing encumbrance	Liens & Encumbrances
Modification	Documents that modify existing instruments	Liens & Encumbrances
UCC	Uniform Commercial Code filings affecting real property	Liens & Encumbrances
Easement	Documents granting rights to use property	Easements & Rights of Way
Mineral	Documents affecting mineral rights	Mineral Interests
Restriction	Documents imposing use restrictions or covenants	Restrictions & Covenants
Plat	Recorded subdivision plats and amendments	Plats & Subdivisions
Survey	Recorded surveys of property boundaries	Surveys
Contract	Contracts affecting property	Contracts & Options
Litigation	Court actions affecting property	Litigation
Foreclosure	Foreclosure proceedings and related documents	Litigation
Curative	Documents that cure title defects	Curative Documents

Matter Relationships

Matters can be linked to each other to show how they interact. The system automatically detects many relationships, and examiners can create manual links when needed.

Relationship Types

Platted supports 13 relationship types for linking matters:

Primary Relationships

Relationship	From Matter	To Matter	Effect
RELEASES	Release	Encumbrance, UCC, Contract	Target status changes to RELEASED
MODIFIES	Modification	Encumbrance, UCC, Easement, Contract	Updates terms display on target
ASSIGNS	Modification	Encumbrance, UCC, Contract	Updates holder/beneficiary on target
CURES	Curative	Transfer, Encumbrance, UCC, Easement, Contract	Resolves linked flag on target

Deed and Transfer Relationships

Relationship	From Matter	To Matter	Effect
SUPERSEDES	Transfer	Transfer	Prior deed superseded by correction deed

Lien Modification Relationships

Relationship	From Matter	To Matter	Effect
SUBORDINATES	Modification	Encumbrance, UCC	Target subordinated to another lien
EXTENDS	Modification	Encumbrance, UCC, Contract	Target maturity date extended
RENEWS	Modification	Contract, UCC, Easement	Target instrument renewed
ASSUMES	Modification, Transfer	Encumbrance	Obligation assumed by new party
SUBSTITUTES	Modification	Encumbrance	Party (e.g., trustee) substituted on target
CONSOLIDATES	Encumbrance, Modification	Encumbrance	Multiple instruments consolidated
REINSTATES	Modification	Encumbrance, Contract, UCC	Previously released target reinstated

Termination Relationships

Relationship	From Matter	To Matter	Effect
TERMINATES	Modification, Release	Easement, Contract, Restriction	Target instrument terminated

Inverse Labels

Each relationship displays differently depending on direction:

Relationship	Forward Label	Inverse Label
RELEASES	"Releases"	"Released by"
MODIFIES	"Modifies"	"Modified by"
ASSIGNS	"Assigns"	"Assigned by"
CURES	"Cures"	"Cured by"
SUPERSEDES	"Supersedes"	"Superseded by"
SUBORDINATES	"Subordinates"	"Subordinated by"
EXTENDS	"Extends"	"Extended by"
RENEWS	"Renews"	"Renewed by"
TERMINATES	"Terminates"	"Terminated by"
ASSUMES	"Assumes"	"Assumed by"
SUBSTITUTES	"Substitutes"	"Trustee substituted by"
CONSOLIDATES	"Consolidates"	"Consolidated into"
REINSTATES	"Reinstates"	"Reinstated by"

How Linking Works

Automatic linking: When a Release matter is extracted, Platted automatically searches for matching Encumbrances based on:

Recording reference cited in the release
Lender/beneficiary name
Original loan amount
Property legal description

Manual linking: When automatic linking fails or finds multiple matches, examiners can manually link matters using the Link action on the matter card.

Link Status Indicators

Indicator	Meaning
Linked	Matter is connected to its related matter
Unlinked	Matter references another instrument but no link exists
Ambiguous	Multiple potential matches found

Matter Type Details

Transfer (Chain of Title)

Transfer matters show the ownership history of the property.

Sub-types (Deed Types):

Sub-type	Description
General Warranty	Full warranties against all defects
Special Warranty	Warranties only against grantor's acts
Quitclaim	No warranties, conveys only grantor's interest
Bargain and Sale	Implies grantor has title but no warranties
Trustee's Deed	Conveyance by trustee (foreclosure or trust)
Sheriff's Deed	Conveyance following execution sale
Tax Deed	Conveyance following tax sale
Gift Deed	Conveyance without consideration

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Grantor	Party conveying title
Grantee	Party receiving title
Deed Type	Type of warranty provided
Consideration	Purchase price or value
Vesting	How grantee holds title (sole, joint tenants, etc.)
Exceptions	Items excepted from warranties

Encumbrance (Liens & Encumbrances)

Encumbrance matters represent security interests or liens against the property.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Deed of Trust	Security instrument with trustee (common in TX)
Mortgage	Direct security interest to lender
Mechanic's Lien	Claim for unpaid construction work
Judgment Lien	Lien arising from court judgment
Tax Lien	Lien for unpaid taxes
HOA Lien	Lien from homeowners association
Hospital Lien	Lien for unpaid medical services
Child Support Lien	Lien for unpaid child support
Federal Tax Lien	IRS tax lien
State Tax Lien	State tax authority lien
Abstract of Judgment	Recorded judgment creating lien

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Borrower	Party granting security interest
Lender/Lienholder	Party holding security interest
Encumbrance Type	Type of lien or security instrument
Original Amount	Principal amount secured
Maturity Date	When loan matures
Status	OPEN, RELEASED, PARTIAL_RELEASE, EXPIRED

Status Values:

Status	Meaning
OPEN	Active lien, no release found
RELEASED	Full release recorded
PARTIAL_RELEASE	Portion of property released
EXPIRED	Past statutory limitation period

Relationships: Encumbrances can be linked FROM Release matters (releases them) and Modification matters (modifies terms or assigns).

Release (Liens & Encumbrances)

Release matters satisfy or release existing encumbrances.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Full Release	Complete satisfaction of the debt
Partial Release	Release of portion of collateral
Marginal Release	Release noted in margin of original
Reconveyance	Trustee's deed of reconveyance

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Releasing Party	Party executing the release
Release Type	Full, partial, or partial satisfaction
Original Instrument	Recording reference of encumbrance released
Amount Released	Amount of debt satisfied (if partial)

Relationships: Release matters link TO Encumbrance matters via the RELEASES relationship.

Modification (Liens & Encumbrances)

Modification matters change the terms of existing instruments without releasing them.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Assignment	Transfer of lien to new holder
Subordination	Change in lien priority
Extension	Extension of maturity date
Modification	Change to loan terms
Assumption	Borrower assumes existing loan
Loan Modification	Restructuring of loan terms

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Modification Type	Type of change being made
Original Instrument	Recording reference of modified instrument
Assignor	Party transferring interest (assignments)
Assignee	Party receiving interest (assignments)
New Amount	Modified principal (if changed)
New Maturity	Modified maturity date (if changed)

Relationships: Modification matters link TO Encumbrance matters via the MODIFIES or ASSIGNS relationship.

UCC (Liens & Encumbrances)

UCC matters are Uniform Commercial Code filings that may affect real property.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Initial Filing	Original UCC-1 financing statement
Continuation	Extension of filing before lapse
Amendment	Change to filing details
Termination	Release of security interest
Assignment	Transfer of secured party interest

Key Fields:

Field	Description
File Number	UCC filing number
Is Fixture Filing	Whether filing covers fixtures (real property)
Lapse Date	When filing expires if not continued
Debtor	Party granting security interest
Secured Party	Party holding security interest
Collateral	Description of secured property

Easement (Easements & Rights of Way)

Easement matters grant third parties rights to use portions of the property.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Utility	Rights for utility lines/equipment
Access	Right of ingress/egress
Pipeline	Right for pipeline installation
Drainage	Right for water drainage
Conservation	Restrictions for conservation purposes
View	Protection of views
Solar	Protection of solar access
Ingress/Egress	Right to enter and exit

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Easement Type	Purpose of easement
Beneficiary	Party benefiting from easement
Perpetual	Whether easement is permanent
Term	Duration if not perpetual
Width	Width of easement area
Location	Description of easement location
Exclusive	Whether exclusive or non-exclusive

Status Values:

Status	Meaning
ACTIVE	Easement currently in effect
TERMINATED	Easement no longer in effect

Mineral (Mineral Interests)

Mineral matters affect subsurface mineral rights.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Mineral Deed	Conveyance of mineral interest
Mineral Reservation	Reservation of minerals in deed
Mineral Lease	Lease of mineral rights
Royalty Deed	Conveyance of royalty interest
Assignment	Transfer of lease or mineral interest
Pooling	Pooling/unitization agreement

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Transaction Type	Type of mineral transaction
Interest Fraction	Fractional interest conveyed
Substances	Minerals covered (oil, gas, etc.)
Royalty Rate	Royalty percentage (leases)
Primary Term	Initial lease term
Lease Status	PRIMARY_TERM, HELD_BY_PRODUCTION, EXPIRED, RELEASED

Restriction (Restrictions & Covenants)

Restriction matters impose limitations on property use.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Use	Restrictions on property use
Architectural	Building design requirements
Setback	Building placement requirements
Minimum Size	Minimum structure size
Animals	Pet or livestock restrictions
Commercial Prohibition	Prohibition on commercial use

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Restriction Types	List of restriction categories
Expiration Date	When restrictions expire (if any)
Enforceable	Whether currently enforceable
Restrictions Detail	Full text of restrictions

Plat (Plats & Subdivisions)

Plat matters define property boundaries and lot configurations.

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Plat Name	Name of subdivision
Lot	Lot number
Block	Block number
Dedications	Streets, easements, parks dedicated

Dedication Types:

Type	Description
Street	Public street dedication
Utility Easement	Utility access
Park	Public park land
Drainage	Drainage facilities
Common Area	Shared areas

Survey (Surveys)

Survey matters document property boundary surveys.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
ALTA	American Land Title Association survey
Boundary	Basic boundary survey
Improvement	Survey showing improvements
Topographic	Survey showing elevation
As-Built	Post-construction survey

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Survey Type	Type of survey
Survey Date	Date survey was performed
Surveyor	Licensed surveyor name
Encroachments Noted	Any encroachments identified

Contract (Contracts & Options)

Contract matters are agreements that may affect title.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Option	Right to purchase property
Right of First Refusal	Right to match third-party offer
Purchase Contract	Contract for sale
Lease	Property lease agreement
License	Permission to use property
Memorandum	Recorded notice of contract

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Contract Type	Type of contract
Status	ACTIVE, EXERCISED, EXPIRED, TERMINATED, ASSIGNED
Expiration Date	When contract expires
Purchase Price	Price if option/contract exercised

Litigation

Litigation matters are court actions affecting title.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Lis Pendens	Notice of pending lawsuit
Judgment	Court judgment
Bankruptcy	Bankruptcy proceeding
Attachment	Pre-judgment attachment
Writ of Execution	Order to execute judgment
Federal Tax Lien	IRS assessment

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Litigation Type	Type of court action
Case Number	Court case number
Court	Court where filed
Plaintiff	Party bringing action
Defendant	Party defending
Status	PENDING, DISMISSED, SETTLED, JUDGMENT_ENTERED, RELEASED
Judgment Amount	Amount of judgment (if any)

Status Values:

Status	Meaning
PENDING	Case ongoing
DISMISSED	Case dismissed
SETTLED	Parties settled
JUDGMENT_ENTERED	Judgment recorded
RELEASED	Judgment satisfied

Foreclosure

Foreclosure matters track foreclosure proceedings.

Sub-types (Foreclosure Type):

Sub-type	Description
Non-Judicial	Trustee sale (deed of trust states)
Judicial	Court-supervised foreclosure
Tax Sale	Foreclosure for unpaid taxes

Sub-types (Document Type):

Sub-type	Description
Notice of Default	Initial foreclosure notice
Notice of Sale	Notice of scheduled sale
Appointment of Substitute Trustee	New trustee designation
Affidavit of Foreclosure	Record of sale
Trustee's Deed	Deed from foreclosure sale
Order of Sale	Court order authorizing sale
Rescission of Acceleration	Cancellation of foreclosure
Redemption Notice	Notice of redemption

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Foreclosure Type	Non-judicial, judicial, or tax
Document Type	Specific foreclosure document
Status	INITIATED, PENDING_SALE, SOLD, REDEEMED, RESCINDED, DISMISSED
Sale Date	Scheduled or actual sale date
Original Instrument	Reference to foreclosed encumbrance

Curative (Curative Documents)

Curative matters resolve title defects or provide supporting evidence.

Sub-types:

Sub-type	Description
Death Certificate	Evidence of death
Affidavit of Heirship	Identifies heirs of decedent
Probate Order	Court order from probate
Power of Attorney	Authority to act for another
Scrivener's Affidavit	Corrects document errors
Marital Status Affidavit	Confirms marital status
Identity Affidavit	Confirms identity (name variations)
Name Affidavit	Explains name variations
Corporate Authority	Confirms corporate signing authority

Key Fields:

Field	Description
Curative Type	Type of curative document
Issue Addressed	What title issue this cures
Subject Person	Person the document concerns

Type-Specific Fields:

Curative Type	Additional Fields
Death	Decedent name, date of death
Probate	Estate name, case number, personal representative
Affidavit	Error corrected, correct information
POA	Principal name, agent name, powers granted
Heirship	Decedent name, heirs list, affiant name

Relationships: Curative matters link TO other matters via the CURES relationship, resolving flags on those matters.

Runsheet Sections

The runsheet organizes matters into 10 sections based on their type:

Chain of Title

Contains Transfer matters showing the ownership history from the root of title to present. Entry numbers are assigned chronologically by recording date.

Liens & Encumbrances

Contains Encumbrance, Release, Modification, and UCC matters. Shows active liens and their status (open, released, modified).

Easements & Rights of Way

Contains Easement matters granting third parties rights to use portions of the property.

Mineral Interests

Contains Mineral matters affecting subsurface rights, royalties, and leases.

Restrictions & Covenants

Contains Restriction matters imposing limitations on property use (CC&Rs, deed restrictions).

Plats & Subdivisions

Contains Plat matters defining property boundaries and lot configurations.

Surveys

Contains Survey matters documenting property boundary surveys.

Contracts & Options

Contains Contract matters that may affect title, such as options and memoranda.

Litigation

Contains Litigation and Foreclosure matters affecting title through court actions.

Curative Documents

Contains Curative matters that resolve title defects or provide supporting evidence.

Section Color Coding

Each section has a distinct accent color for visual identification:

Section	Color
Chain of Title	Blue
Liens & Encumbrances	Amber
Easements & Rights of Way	Emerald
Mineral Interests	Purple
Restrictions & Covenants	Slate
Plats & Subdivisions	Cyan
Surveys	Teal
Contracts & Options	Indigo
Litigation	Rose
Curative Documents	Lime