Detailed Answer

When you first try to determine who legally owns a piece of land that once belonged to your grandfather in Iowa, take a methodical, document-first approach. The single best first step is to run a chain-of-title check at the county level. A chain-of-title search will show recorded deeds, conveyances, mortgages, liens, easements, and sometimes plats or surveys that affect ownership and boundaries.

Why the chain of title matters: recorded documents are the primary proof of legal ownership. Finding the deed that transferred title from your grandfather to the next owner (or confirming the absence of such a deed) directs you to the correct legal pathway—probate records, quiet-title litigation, or a title correction.

How to run the initial chain-of-title search (practical steps)

1. Identify the county: Ownership records are kept by the county recorder (sometimes called county recorder or county auditor/recorder). Confirm which county the land parcel is in using any address, legal description, or parcel ID from tax/assessor records.
2. Use the county assessor/recorder online tools: Many Iowa counties provide online searchable databases for deeds and assessor parcel maps. Search by the grandfather’s name, current owner name (if known), or the parcel number. If online access is not available, plan a visit or request copies by mail.
3. Obtain and read recorded deeds: Pull the grandfather’s deed and subsequent deeds. Look for the legal description (metes and bounds, lot and block, or parcel number). Confirm that each conveyance properly transfers title—watch for gaps, ambiguous descriptions, or unrecorded transfers.
4. Check probate records: If the grandfather died owning the property, a probate or estate file in the county district court may show how his property passed (will, probate distribution, or intestate succession). Contact the county clerk of court or search the judicial branch website for case records.
5. Review encumbrances and documents affecting title: Check for mortgages, tax liens, easements, plats, surveys, and court orders that might affect ownership or access. These are generally recorded at the county recorder’s office.

If the chain shows a gap or conflicting claims

Common next steps under Iowa law include:

• Request a full title search from a licensed title company—this is more thorough and creates an insurable title policy.
• Contact an Iowa real estate attorney if recordings are unclear, deeds conflict, or you discover unrecorded transfers.
• Consider a quiet title action in Iowa district court to clear the title if ownership is disputed or ambiguous. The district court handles real property disputes and probate matters.
• Investigate adverse possession carefully. If someone claims long, open, exclusive, and continuous use of the land, Iowa law may recognize that right after the statutory period. Because adverse possession rules and required time periods can be complex, talk to an attorney before relying on this theory.

Where to look for official Iowa resources

Start with these state and court resources to locate county offices and court records:

• Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code and statutes): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/
• Iowa Judicial Branch (court and probate information): https://www.iowacourts.gov/

Helpful Hints

• Bring or note the exact legal description if you have it. Deeds use legal descriptions rather than street addresses.
• Search by variant spellings of names and include your grandfather’s middle name or initials; older records often use different name forms.
• Start with the county assessor to get the parcel number (PID). That number often speeds searches in recorder systems.
• Ask the county recorder for certified copies of deeds and recorded instruments. Certified copies are useful if you later file court papers.
• Look for a will or probate file in the county district court; property often passes through probate if it was titled solely in the decedent’s name.
• Get a recent survey if boundary lines are in dispute. A surveyor’s map can clarify physical boundaries vs. recorded descriptions.
• If you find a break in the chain, or conflicting deeds, get a title search from a title company and consult an Iowa real estate attorney promptly.
• Keep organized notes and copies of every document you obtain. Chronological order helps any attorney or title examiner understand the chain-of-title issues quickly.
• If someone claims they’ve owned or used the land for many years, do not assume adverse possession applies—timing and legal requirements vary. Talk to counsel before taking or conceding action.