Detailed Answer

Short answer: If a recent survey and chain of title show the property was conveyed out of your mother’s estate decades ago, the person (or their successors) named on the deed likely holds legal title. You generally would not have an ownership interest unless you can prove the conveyance was invalid (for example, forged deed, fraud, lack of capacity, or an unlawful probate distribution) or there is some other legal ground to challenge the transfer.

Why the survey and deed matter

A survey shows physical boundaries and who is using the land, but actual ownership hinges on the recorded deed and the chain of title in the land records. In Connecticut, land ownership usually is determined by the recorded conveyances kept at the town clerk’s land records office. If the land records show a valid deed transferring the parcel out of your mother’s estate, that deed is strong evidence that title left the estate.

Common reasons you might still have a claim despite an old conveyance

Invalid or forged deed: If the deed purporting to convey the property was forged or signed by someone who lacked legal capacity, the conveyance may be void.
Fraud or undue influence: If someone procured the deed by deceiving your mother or exerting undue pressure, a court may set the transfer aside.
Probate irregularities: If the property was distributed by a probate process that violated the law (e.g., failure to follow required notice rules or an executor acted improperly), that distribution may be challengeable in the probate court.
Clerical or recording errors: If the deed was never properly recorded or was recorded with errors, there may be remedies—but non-recording creates its own risks because Connecticut follows recording practices that protect subsequent purchasers in some circumstances.
Time limits and laches: Many claims have time limits. Even if you had a potential claim decades ago, statutes of limitation or equitable doctrines like laches may prevent you from undoing a long-ago conveyance.

What steps you should take now (practical checklist)

Obtain certified copies of the deed(s) from the town clerk where the property is located. Confirm the grantor/grantee names, dates, and recording references.
Pull the probate file for your mother’s estate from the local Probate Court to see how the estate was administered and whether that parcel was specifically distributed. Connecticut Probate Courts maintain estate records; you can find your local probate court via the Connecticut Judicial Branch: https://www.jud.ct.gov/.
Request a title search or hire a real estate attorney to examine the chain of title back several decades. That will reveal intervening transfers, mortgages, liens, and possible defects.
Compare survey to deed boundaries and confirm the legal description in the deed matches the parcel shown on the survey.
Preserve evidence of any reasons you believe the conveyance was invalid (witness statements, medical records, correspondence, financial records). Time is important for some claims.
Consider contacting the current owner or other heirs—sometimes the issue resolves by agreement or clarification rather than litigation.
Consult a Connecticut real estate/probate attorney immediately if you believe fraud, forgery, incapacity, or improper probate administration occurred. An attorney can advise about filing a probate contest, quiet title action, or other remedies.

Possible legal routes if you believe the conveyance was improper

Probate contest or petition: If the distribution happened through probate and you are an interested person (an heir or beneficiary), you can petition the probate court to reopen or modify the estate administration if proper grounds and within applicable timelines exist.
Civil action to quiet title: If there is a title dispute, you or the current possessor may file a quiet title action in Superior Court to resolve who holds title.
Action to set aside deed: If you can prove fraud, forgery, undue influence, or lack of capacity, you may be able to have the deed set aside in a civil action.
Claims for conversion or constructive trust: In limited circumstances, equitable remedies (like a constructive trust) may be available if someone improperly took property that belonged to the estate.

Timing and practical realities in Connecticut

Because the conveyance happened decades ago, many claims face serious timing hurdles. Connecticut law imposes limitations on when you can challenge transfers and on when courts will provide equitable relief. It matters whether you raised objections while the probate was pending and whether you protected your rights earlier. A Connecticut attorney can evaluate whether any statutes of limitation or probate deadlines preclude your claim.

Where to look up Connecticut statutes and courts

For general statutory guidance and to review Connecticut statutes and procedures, start here:

Connecticut General Assembly — Connecticut General Statutes: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/
Connecticut Judicial Branch (Probate Courts and court procedures): https://www.jud.ct.gov/

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney promptly.

Helpful Hints

Start with the town clerk’s land records and the probate file—these documents often answer basic questions about whether title left the estate.
If you see a deed, note the grantee’s name, recording date, and book/page or volume/fiscal references so a title search can continue from that point.
Act quickly if you suspect fraud or forgery—preserve all documents and communications, and record their dates and sources.
Keep an eye out for liens, mortgages, tax bills, and insurance policies tied to the property; they reveal who has been treating the land as theirs.
Take photos of the property and any physical evidence (improvements, fencing, occupancy) in case use or possession will matter.
Consider mediation or direct negotiation with the current owner or other heirs as a lower-cost alternative to litigation.
Ask whether the current owner has title insurance—if they do, a title insurer may resist a challenge unless the insurer’s policy is triggered.
Always confirm deadlines with a Connecticut attorney. Probate and property law has many time limits and local practices that affect your rights.