Providing Protection for Your Piece of the Planet™

Mid-State Abstract provides reliable title searches, title insurance, and historical research for real estate transactions across every county in New Jersey, with the accuracy and personal service your clients deserve.

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Comprehensive Title Services

We handle every aspect of title work so attorneys, real estate agents, and lenders can close with confidence.

Title Searches

Thorough examination of public records to verify ownership, uncover liens, judgments, and encumbrances affecting a property's title.

Title Insurance

Owner's and lender's title insurance policies underwritten through leading national underwriters, protecting against hidden defects in title.

Historical Research

Deep-dive record research tracing ownership chains and resolving complex title issues using historical deed and court records.

Municipal Lien Searches

Verification of open permits, zoning violations, code violations, utility arrears, and other municipal charges against the property.

Judgment & Tax Searches

Statewide and county-level searches for judgments, federal and state tax liens, and bankruptcy filings affecting buyers and sellers.

Statewide Coverage

Licensed and operating in all 21 New Jersey counties — from Bergen to Cape May, we have local expertise wherever your transaction closes.

More Than Five Decades of Title Expertise in New Jersey

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Toms River, NJ, Mid-State Abstract has spent more than fifty years building a reputation for accuracy and personal service across every county in New Jersey.

We specialize in title searches, title insurance, and deep-dive historical research — tracing ownership chains, resolving complex title issues, and uncovering deed and court records that others miss. Our clients include real estate attorneys, lenders, and title agents throughout the state who rely on us to get it right every time.

Accuracy You Can Count On Every search is reviewed for completeness before delivery.
Fast Turnaround We understand closing deadlines — your schedule is our priority.
Personal Service Real people who answer your questions promptly.
Archival title records research
1970
Established in
Toms River, NJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about title insurance and the search process in New Jersey.

A title search is a review of public records to confirm a property's legal ownership and identify any liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, easements, or other encumbrances that could affect the transfer of ownership. It is a standard requirement in virtually every real estate transaction in New Jersey to ensure the buyer receives clear, marketable title at closing.
Lender's (loan) title insurance protects the lender's interest in the property up to the mortgage amount and is typically required by every lender. Owner's title insurance protects the buyer's equity in the property and is optional but strongly recommended — it defends against title defects that arise after closing, such as undiscovered liens, forgery in the chain of title, or errors in public records. Unlike most insurance, you pay a one-time premium and coverage lasts as long as you own the property.
Turnaround time depends on the county, the complexity of the property's history, and current volume. For most standard residential searches in New Jersey, we aim for delivery within 3–5 business days. Complex or commercial searches, or those requiring extensive historical research, may take longer. Contact us to discuss your specific closing timeline and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
A municipal lien search (also called a tax/utility search or municipal search) is a request to the local municipality to disclose any outstanding charges against a property — including open or expired permits, zoning violations, code enforcement actions, water and sewer arrears, and any municipal assessments. In New Jersey, this is a routine component of every residential and commercial real estate closing.
Yes. Mid-State Abstract is licensed and actively provides title search and insurance services in all 21 counties of New Jersey. While we are headquartered in Ocean County (Toms River), we have experience with the records systems and requirements in every county from Bergen in the northeast to Cape May in the south.
You can reach us by phone, email, or through the contact form on this page. Existing clients can also log in to the Client Portal to place orders directly. Simply provide the property address, county, block and lot if available, and the type of search or service needed, and we will follow up promptly with a quote and expected turnaround.
In New Jersey, title work is most commonly ordered by the real estate attorney representing the buyer or the closing attorney/settlement agent. Lenders and real estate agents may also initiate the order depending on the transaction. We work with all parties and are happy to coordinate with multiple contacts on a single file.

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Ready to place an order or have a question? We're here to help.

Mid-State Abstract, Inc.

Reach out by phone, email, or use the form to order a search or ask a question. We typically respond to all inquiries within one business day.

Phone (732) 244-3000
Email info@msabstract.com
Office 207 Hooper Avenue
P.O. Box 413
Toms River, NJ 08754
Ocean County
Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed weekends & major holidays

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Our Office

Headquarters — Toms River 207 Hooper Avenue
P.O. Box 413
Toms River, NJ 08754 (732) 244-3000
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