I really have to disagree that a "lien search" especially a limited lien search should go behind the current owner.  Keep in mind, we aren't in a plant state here where searching is automated.  We have to chain back and then run forward.  So if a client wants all open liens then my opinion would be that they should order something like a 21 year lien search or a 42 year lien search (42 years behing marketable title in Ohio.)  Keep in mind that even in this scenario a judgment lien could be kept alive for 30,40,50 years by renewing the lien.  In Ohio, renewing the lien does not mean that it is refiled and re-indexed, there are other ways to renew that are only evidenced on the margin of the original lien.  My feeling is that a limited lien search is limited in two ways: scope and items to be search with the scope being the current owner and the items to be search being mortgages, liens, taxes, court cases EXCLUDING easements, restrictions, etc.

I certainly appreciate everyones feedback on this issue.  I'm sorry if I didn't make my point clearly in my original post.  Robert, thanks for helping me clarify and for your opinion.