Short answer — the first step

The first step is a recorded-title search: locate the property’s legal description or parcel number, then search the county recorder (and county assessor) records where the land is located to pull recorded deeds, plats, and related documents. That search will show who holds title on the public record and reveal transfers, easements, liens, or probate records that may affect ownership.

Detailed answer — what to do and why

Start by gathering whatever identifying information you have: your grandfather’s full legal name as it appeared on title, any old deed copies, a street address, a parcel number, or a copy of a tax bill. If you don’t have a parcel number or deed, a street address or description will still work.

1. Identify the correct county

All real property records are filed in the county where the land is located. Use the street address or legal description to determine the county. If you don’t know the county, you can often find it by checking online maps or the Nevada county assessor websites.

2. Check the county assessor records

The county assessor’s online database can give you the parcel number, current owner on the tax roll, parcel maps, and basic legal description. This confirms you are searching the right parcel and gives you the parcel ID to use at the recorder’s office.

3. Search the county recorder (land records)

The recorder’s office keeps the chain of title: deeds, mortgages, easements, plats, and other recorded instruments. Search the recorder’s grantor/grantee indices and pull all deeds and documents affecting the parcel going back enough years to establish how title passed. Many Nevada counties provide online document search and image downloads; where online access is limited, you can visit the recorder’s office in person or request copies.

Why recorded-title matters

Recorded documents show who is the legal owner of record. They may also reveal transfers that happened after your grandfather’s ownership (for example, deeds transferring the property to heirs, sales, or deeds issued after probate). If your grandfather owned the land at death, the probate court’s files may also show how title passed.

4. Check probate records

If your grandfather died owning the property in his name, ownership may have passed through probate. Search the county court’s probate docket for his estate. Nevada’s courts provide information about probate filings on county court websites and via the Nevada Judiciary site: https://nvcourts.gov/.

5. Consider title defects, joint ownership, easements, or adverse claims

The recorder search may show interests that complicate ownership — life estates, joint tenancies, liens, easements, or recorded boundary agreements. If someone is occupying part of the land or claims a portion, further investigation may be needed (for example, to evaluate adverse-possession claims or boundary disputes).

6. When to get professional help

If the chain of title is unclear, if documents are missing, or if you face a dispute (for example, conflicting deeds, boundary claims, or adverse possession assertions), hiring a Nevada real estate attorney or a title company to run a full title search is sensible. They can also advise about bringing a quiet-title action if necessary. Nevada’s statutes on quiet title and actions to determine interests in real property are in NRS Chapter 40: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-040.html. For conveyances and recorded instruments, see NRS Chapter 111: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-111.html.

Typical path you can follow right away

1. Find the parcel on the county assessor’s website (get parcel number and map).
2. Search the county recorder’s online index/images for recorded deeds and plats.
3. Pull probate records for your grandfather in the county court where he lived or owned property.
4. If records are ambiguous or show competing claims, contact a title company or real estate attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Start with the parcel number — it makes record searches faster and more accurate.
• Use the county assessor and recorder websites before visiting in person. Many Nevada counties let you view and print deeds online.
• Bring the deed, any tax bills, and your grandfather’s death certificate when you visit offices. These documents help staff locate records and explain transfers.
• Pay attention to grantor/grantee indices and to the legal description on every deed. Small differences in descriptions can indicate separate lots or divisions.
• If someone else is living on the land or claims part of it, document what you observe (photos, dates, names) and preserve copies of any communications. This evidence can help an attorney assess adverse-possession or boundary issues.
• Consider a title insurance search if you plan to buy, sell, or litigate — title companies perform comprehensive chain-of-title examinations.
• Keep timelines and an index of documents you find (date, book/page, or document number) so you or a hired professional can trace the transfer history cleanly.

Where to look (resources)

• Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 111 (Conveyances): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-111.html
• Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 40 (Actions to determine title): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-040.html
• Nevada Judicial Branch (probate & court resources): https://nvcourts.gov/
• Your county assessor and county recorder/recorder’s office website (search using the county name and “assessor” or “recorder”).