Some states allow a civil suit against all known creditors, lien-holders, or anyone else that may have an interest in the property, forcing them to show proof of their interest, then the judge makes a declarative judgment stating who owns the property, and the obligations the owner may have to the other parties.

Statutes enabling such suits are custom-tailored for removing clouds. If the lenders don't have their paperwork in order, the judge can sever the mortgage from the note, turning it into an unsecured debt.