Quick answer

The first practical step under Vermont law is to run a land-records search at the town clerk’s office where the property sits. That search establishes the recorded chain of title (deeds, mortgages, easements, plats) and shows who is currently listed as owner. From that foundation you can decide whether you need a survey, title search, or a lawyer to resolve gaps, errors, or boundary disputes.

Detailed answer — how to start and why it matters

Ownership of land in Vermont is normally established through the chain of recorded instruments (deeds, conveyances, court orders). Town clerks maintain those records. The first step is to obtain and review the deed history (the “chain of title”) for the parcel. That tells you whether your grandfather conveyed the disputed portion, whether another person or entity holds a deed, and whether any mortgages, liens, easements, or plats affect the portion in question.

Why begin here?

• Recorded deeds are the primary public evidence of title and show transfers and reservations.
• Discovering a recorded conveyance or easement can resolve ownership questions quickly without court action.
• If records are unclear, you will know what missing documents or events you must address (e.g., unrecorded wills, boundary surveys, gaps in the chain).

Step-by-step first actions (practical checklist)

1. Identify the town and parcel: Determine which Vermont town contains the land. If you only have a street address or a description, the town clerk or the town’s lister/assessor can help match that to a parcel number.
2. Visit or contact the town clerk’s office: Ask for the land records for that parcel. Many Vermont towns keep indexed deed books or searchable digital records. Request copies of deeds, plats, and any recorded instruments referring to the parcel.
3. Pull the chain of title: Starting with the most recent deed, work backward to find prior transfers from your grandfather (or earlier owners). Note grantor/grantee names, dates, and legal descriptions.
4. Get the tax assessment and parcel map: Contact the town lister/assessor for the parcel map and tax records. Parcel maps can reveal lot lines and common parcel identifiers used by the town.
5. Check for surveys and plats: Look for a recorded survey or plat that describes boundary lines precisely. If none exists, you may need a new survey to locate the disputed portion on the ground.
6. Look for encumbrances: Recorded mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, or court judgments can affect who has rights to part of the land.

Key legal concepts to understand (plain language)

• Chain of title: The sequence of recorded documents that shows how ownership passed from one person to another.
• Recording: In Vermont, recording a deed or other instrument in the town clerk’s office makes it part of the public record and gives notice to others. For general guidance on Vermont recording and property statutes see the Vermont statutes on property: Vermont Statutes, Title 27 (Property).
• Plat/survey: A map drawn by a licensed surveyor showing exact boundaries and measurements. A current survey is often decisive in boundary disputes.
• Adverse possession and quiet-title: If someone has been using and occupying a portion of land openly for a statutory period, adverse possession or a quiet-title action may be relevant. These are legal remedies—consult a lawyer before pursuing them.

Hypothetical example

Suppose your grandfather’s deed described a 10-acre parcel and you believe 1 acre along the north edge now belongs to a neighbor. You would:

1. Ask the town clerk for the grandfather’s deed and any later deeds affecting that parcel.
2. Check whether the neighbor holds a recorded deed conveying that 1 acre to them.
3. Review plats or surveys recorded with the deeds and compare legal descriptions.
4. If records are ambiguous, hire a licensed Vermont surveyor to mark the corners. If the survey shows a dispute that records don’t resolve, speak with a Vermont attorney about a quiet-title or boundary action.

Documents to gather before you search or speak with an attorney

• Any deed showing your grandfather’s ownership (paper or copy).
• Old tax bills or property descriptions.
• Any surveys, plats, or prior correspondence about boundary changes.
• Names of neighbors and any dates you know about transfers or improvements.

Where to search in Vermont (official sources)

• Town clerk’s office where the property is located (primary source for recorded deeds and plats).
• Town lister/assessor for parcel maps and tax records.
• Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) for statewide parcel mapping and GIS: https://vcgi.vermont.gov/.
• Vermont statutes on property for background on recording and rights: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/title/27.

When to hire a title company or an attorney

Consider professional help if any of the following are true:

• Deeds or legal descriptions are ambiguous or missing.
• A neighbor claims the land, or someone has built on or fenced the disputed area.
• You find unrecorded transfers, conflicting deeds, or liens.
• Adverse possession or a long-standing boundary dispute may apply.

A title company can run a full title search and issue a title report or insurance. A lawyer experienced in Vermont real property law can advise whether to negotiate, mediate, or file a quiet-title or boundary action in court.

Helpful hints

• Start with the town clerk—many issues resolve with recorded documents.
• Bring original or photocopies of any deeds you already have—clerks can trace the chain faster with those details.
• Ask whether the town has digitized records or online indexing before visiting in person.
• Use the parcel map and survey to compare the legal description to what is on the ground—measurements matter.
• If you can, take photos of boundary features (stone walls, fences, monuments) and note when they were installed.
• Don’t rely solely on tax maps; they help identify parcels but are not conclusive legal proof of boundary lines.

Next steps summary

1. Identify the town and parcel.
2. Search recorded land records at the town clerk.
3. Gather tax and parcel maps from the lister/assessor.
4. Obtain or commission a survey if records don’t resolve the issue.
5. Consult a Vermont real property attorney when records or surveys reveal conflicts or legal questions.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and general in nature. It does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a Vermont attorney.