Detailed Answer

Short summary: After a grandparent dies, ownership of property depends on whether there is a valid will, how the property is titled, and whether the estate goes through probate. In Connecticut, start by locating a will (if any), checking public land records (deeds), and contacting the local probate court. If there is no will, Connecticut’s probate system and intestacy rules determine who the lawful heirs are.

Step-by-step actions to determine heirs and ownership

Obtain the death certificate. Multiple certified copies will be needed by the probate court, banks, and other agencies.
Look for a will or estate plan. Check your grandparent’s home, safe deposit box, attorney files, mail, email accounts, and ask close friends or family whether a will was prepared. A will generally names the executor and the heirs and will be filed with the probate court after death.
Check how the property is titled. Real property title (deed) controls who holds legal title. If the deed lists joint owners with rights of survivorship or tenants by the entirety, the surviving owner(s) may receive the property automatically and the property may not pass through probate. If the property is in your grandparent’s sole name, it usually must go through probate or a transfer procedure.
Search town land records and tax records. Visit the town clerk’s office (or the town’s online land records system) for the town where the property sits and search by the decedent’s name to find deeds, mortgages, and recorded ownership transfers. The tax assessor’s office will also show the current owner of record and whether property taxes are up to date.
Contact the local Connecticut probate court. If you can’t find a will or the property is solely in the decedent’s name, file a petition with the probate court in the district where your grandparent lived. The probate court supervises decedents’ estates, appoints executors/administrators, and supervises distribution to heirs.
If no will exists, identify potential heirs. Connecticut’s probate courts use intestacy principles to determine heirs (generally spouse, then children and descendants, then parents, then siblings, etc.). The probate court can formally make a determination of heirs when needed. The court will require documentary evidence (birth/marriage certificates, death certificates, family records) to establish relationships.
Use probate procedures to transfer title. Once an executor (named in a will) or an administrator (appointed where there is no will) is in place, the probate process gives legal authority to collect assets, pay debts, and transfer property to heirs. For real estate, a probate decree or court-approved deed is often recorded in the land records to change ownership.
Consider small-estate procedures (when applicable). Connecticut has simplified procedures for small estates and for transfer of certain property without a full administration. Check with the probate court to see if a simplified procedure applies.

How the probate court helps determine heirs

The probate court can:

open the estate and notify interested persons;
appoint an executor or administrator who has authority to manage and transfer estate assets;
hear petitions to determine heirship or to approve a proposed distribution;
require proof (documents, witness testimony) of family relationships before making an heirship determination.

When property passes automatically (no probate needed)

Certain ownership arrangements cause property to pass immediately to the co-owner without going through probate. Common examples include joint tenancy with right of survivorship and tenancy by the entirety for spouses. Retirement accounts and many payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations also bypass probate and pass to the named beneficiary. Check the deed, account paperwork, and beneficiary designations carefully.

Practical tips for finding heirs

Start a family tree: list known children, grandchildren, siblings, and their descendants.
Gather documents: birth, marriage, divorce, and death records help establish relationships.
Search public records: obituaries, cemetery records, Social Security index, and town records can reveal family connections.
If relatives cannot be located, the probate court can authorize publication notices and appoint a conservator or administrator to locate heirs.

When to consult a Connecticut probate attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if the estate is complex, disputes about heirs or ownership arise, there are creditors, the decedent owned property in multiple towns or states, or the title is unclear. An attorney can prepare petitions, represent you in court, and help with real-estate recording requirements.

Useful Connecticut resources

Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Courts: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/ (how to find your probate district, forms, and contact information)
Connecticut General Statutes — current statutes (see Title 45a for probate and decedents’ estates): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/
Town Clerk or local land records portal for the municipality where the property is located (search grants/grantees and recorded deeds)

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed Connecticut attorney or the local probate court.

Helpful Hints

Secure the property and important papers immediately (keys, deed, title insurance, safe deposit information, will, insurance policies).
Obtain several certified death certificates from the funeral home or the local registrar; many institutions require originals.
Search the town land records online or in person before spending on legal fees — the deed may show joint ownership or transfers you didn’t expect.
Call the probate court clerk early — they can explain local filing steps, forms, and whether a simplified procedure might apply.
Keep a clear family record (names, dates, locations) — the probate court will ask for documents proving relationships.
If relatives are missing, hire a genealogist or use online family-history resources and public records to trace heirs; the probate court can also require notice to unknown heirs if needed.
If a dispute seems likely, preserve all communications and avoid transferring property until the court has authorized a transfer.