This Chapter regulates certain aspects (requisites, effect of transfer, form of grant, etc.) of the transfer of real property. An estate in real property, other than an estate at will or for a term not exceeding one year, can be transferred only by operation of law, or by an instrument in writing, subscribed by the party disposing of the same, or by his agent thereunto authorized by writing (sect. 1 of Article 1). Section 2 of Artcile 1 defines the form of grant of an estate in real property.

This Chapter provides for the registration of titles in land, defines effect of registration and regulates various other matters relative to registration of title and ownership of real property such as the examination of title. The Director of Land Management shall be ex officio registrar of titles and may designate one or more employees of the Department of Land Management as deputy registrars of titles (sect. 2). All land may be brought under the operation of this Law by the owner or owners of any estate or interest therein by filing a petition to the Superior Court of Guam (sect.

The purpose of this Chapter and of any Rules, Regulations, specifications and standards adopted, pursuant thereto, is to control and regulate the development and/or subdivision of any land for any purpose whatsoever. Control and regulation is necessary to provide for the orderly growth and harmonious development of the territory and to achieve various purposes including: to secure adequate provisions for water supply, drainage, sanitary sewerage and other health requirements and to permit the conveyance of land by accurate legal description.