What must an owner demonstrate to successfully defend a claim of ownership?

To successfully defend a claim of ownership, it's essential for the owner to demonstrate that constructive notice was provided. Constructive notice refers to the legal concept that information is assumed to be known by all parties, even if they are not actually aware of it, because that information has been made publicly accessible. This is typically achieved through proper recording of deeds and other property-related documents in the public records.

By providing constructive notice, the owner establishes their claim to the property in such a way that potential challengers have been informed about the ownership rights. This is crucial in real estate law, as it helps prevent disputes and fosters clarity regarding ownership rights. Establishing constructive notice effectively communicates the owner's title to the property and can dissuade claims from parties who may assert ownership without having made their claim known.

The other choices highlight important aspects of property ownership but do not directly address the specific legal concept necessary for successfully defending a claim. Clear title, payment of property taxes, and ensuring the property is free from liens are all significant to an owner’s standing and can influence ownership status, yet they don't encapsulate the principle of constructive notice which plays a pivotal role in ownership claims.