If a gap in the chain of title is discovered, what would it create?

A lien is a legal right or interest that a lender has in the borrower's property, granted until the debt obligation is satisfied. While a lien can affect the title, it does not arise specifically from a gap in the chain of title. Instead, it is usually the result of a financial obligation that remains unpaid.

An encumbrance refers to a claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to a property that may lessen its value or obstruct its use. Although a gap in the chain of title may be viewed as an encumbrance, it specifically leads to a "cloud on the title," which is a more precise term that captures the uncertainty created by the gap.

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically involving continuous and exclusive possession for a statutory period. A gap in the chain of title does not automatically create adverse possession; rather, it indicates an issue that may lead to disputes about ownership but does not confer rights of possession.