Minnesota § 601.04 - DEED OR COURT RECORDS DESTROYED; ABSTRACT OF TITLE AS EVIDENCE

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 601.04 — DEED OR COURT RECORDS DESTROYED; ABSTRACT OF TITLE AS EVIDENCE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 601.04. DEED OR COURT RECORDS DESTROYED; ABSTRACT OF TITLE AS EVIDENCE

When, upon the trial of any action or proceeding which is now, or hereafter may be, pending in any court in this state, any party to such action or proceeding, or the party's agent or attorney, shall make and file an affidavit in such cause, stating that the original of any deed or other instrument in writing or the records of any court relating to any lands, the title or any interest therein being in controversy or question in such action or proceeding, are lost or destroyed, and not within the power of such party to produce the same; and the record of such deed, instrument, or other writing has been destroyed by fire or otherwise, it shall be lawful for the court to receive as evidence in such action or proceeding, any abstract of title to such lands made in the ordinary course of business before such loss or destruction. It shall also be lawful for the court to receive as evidence any copy, extract, or minutes from such destroyed records or from the original thereof, which were, at the date of such destruction or loss, in the possession of any person then engaged in the business of making abstracts of title for others for hire.

History:

(9874) 1905 c 193 s 1; 1986 c 444

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 601.04

What does Minnesota Statutes § 601.04 cover?

Section 601.04 ("DEED OR COURT RECORDS DESTROYED; ABSTRACT OF TITLE AS EVIDENCE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 601.04?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 601.04" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 601.04 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.