First Step to Find Who Owns Part of Your Grandfather’s Land in Connecticut

Short answer: The first step is a search of the official land records for the town where the property sits — starting with recorded deeds at the town clerk’s office or the Connecticut Land Records portal — to trace the chain of title.

Detailed answer: how and why to start with a land records search

If you want to know who legally owns a portion of property that once belonged to your grandfather, begin by locating the recorded deeds and other documents that affect title. Connecticut uses a recording system: ownership transfers, mortgages, easements, and many other interests are usually documented by instruments recorded with the town clerk (and many towns participate in the statewide Connecticut Land Records system).

Steps to follow for the first search:

1. Identify the town and parcel. Confirm which town the land parcel is in. If you aren’t sure of the exact parcel, use a street address, a property description from any old deed, or tax assessor records to narrow it down.
2. Search the town’s land records (recorded deeds). Visit the town clerk’s office or use the statewide Connecticut Land Records website at https://www.ctlandrecords.org/. Look for the most recent deed that references the parcel; then follow the “chain of title” backwards and forwards to see transfers, heirs, or subdivisions that explain who now owns each part.
3. Review probate files if inheritance is possible. If your grandfather died owning the land and title might have passed through probate, check the probate court records for his estate. Probate proceedings can show how property was distributed when someone died. Connecticut probate court information is available at the Judicial Branch site: https://www.jud.ct.gov/.
4. Check the town assessor’s and tax records. The assessor’s office keeps current ownership and parcel maps for property tax purposes. This can quickly tell you the current recorded owner and parcel boundaries.
5. Collect copies of key documents. Get certified or plain copies of deeds, maps (often called “plans”), recorded easements, or liens. Check for splits or conveyances that describe “a portion” of the original tract.

Why this matters: The recorded deed chain establishes who holds title and the legal description of each parcel. If the record chain shows a conveyance or subdivision that created the portion you’re asking about, that document is the primary evidence of who owns it. If the paper trail is missing or ambiguous, you may need additional research (probate, survey, or court action).

When you may need professional help after the initial search

After you do the initial land-records and assessor search, consider seeking help if you find any of these issues:

• No clear recorded deed transferring that portion.
• Conflicting deeds or overlapping descriptions.
• Unrecorded family agreements or transfers not reflected in public records.
• Title defects, unknown heirs, or possible adverse possession.

If any of those appear, a Connecticut real property attorney, title company, or licensed surveyor can perform a formal title search, prepare a new survey, or advise about a quiet title action in Connecticut courts to clear ownership. For statutes and rules affecting recording and title in Connecticut, consult the Connecticut General Assembly site and Title 47 (Real Property) materials on the Connecticut General Assembly website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/.

Helpful links

• Connecticut Land Records (search recorded deeds and documents): https://www.ctlandrecords.org/
• Connecticut Judicial Branch (probate and court information): https://www.jud.ct.gov/
• Connecticut General Assembly (search statutes and learn about Title 47, Real Property): https://www.cga.ct.gov/

Helpful Hints

• Start with the town clerk or the CT Land Records portal — most title events are recorded there.
• Gather any family documents (old deeds, wills, surveys, tax bills). Even handwritten notes can give a starting clue.
• Use the assessor’s parcel number (APN) or map for precise searches; addresses may be ambiguous.
• Look for recorded maps or “plans” — they show how a larger tract was split into portions.
• If a deed is missing from the public record, a probate file, affidavit of heirship, or a court action may be required to confirm ownership.
• Keep copies of everything and note book/page or document numbers for recorded instruments — that makes follow-up faster.
• If you find a break in the chain of title or conflicting interests, consult a Connecticut real property attorney or a title company before acting on the assumption of ownership.

Quick checklist for your first visit or online search

1. Confirm the town where the land is located.
2. Search deeds by grantor/grantee and by property description in the town clerk’s records or CT Land Records.
3. Check assessor records for current owner name and parcel number.
4. Search probate records if the property may have passed at death.
5. Gather copies of any deeds or maps you find.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This article explains general steps under Connecticut practice for finding who holds legal title. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney or a title professional.