An example of involuntary alienation is where title to real estate passes by:

Involuntary alienation refers to the transfer of property rights without the consent of the property owner, often occurring through legal processes or involuntary circumstances. A sheriff's deed represents a form of involuntary alienation because it is typically issued after a property has been sold at a sheriff's sale, often due to a foreclosure or tax lien. In such cases, the property owner has lost their rights as a result of legal action, and the title is transferred to the highest bidder at the sheriff's sale.

In contrast, the other types of deeds listed, such as a quitclaim deed, trust deed, and grant deed, generally involve voluntary transfers where the property owner willingly executes the deed to convey their interest in the property. A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has without any warranties, but it is still a voluntary act. Similarly, a grant deed provides assurance of the title and is a transfer made with the property owner’s consent, and a trust deed is typically used in financing arrangements where the property is used as collateral. Thus, the sheriff’s deed is the only option that embodies the concept of involuntary alienation.