What title does a municipality gain after recording a final judgment?

When a municipality records a final judgment, it typically gains fee simple title to the property involved in the judgment. Fee simple title is the most complete form of ownership in real property, allowing the owner full control over the land and its use, subject only to legal restrictions such as zoning laws and easements.

In the context of a final judgment, the municipality is usually acting to satisfy an obligation, such as the collection of unpaid taxes. By obtaining fee simple title, the municipality secures all rights to the property, which may be necessary for future actions, such as resale or development, depending on the local government's needs. This transition to fee simple title ensures that the municipality can provide proper stewardship over the property and potentially return it to the tax rolls.

The other types of titles mentioned, such as leasehold title, joint tenancy title, and life estate title, do not apply in this scenario. Leasehold title typically involves a temporary interest in property held through a lease, joint tenancy title refers to shared ownership between co-owners with rights of survivorship, and life estate title grants ownership for the duration of a person's life. None of those ownership forms align with the rights and responsibilities that a municipality acquires through a final judgment.