Detailed answer — the single best first step

The single best first step is to do a title and public-record search at the county Registry of Deeds and the local town/city offices where the land is located. In plain terms: identify the parcel (using address, tax map number, or a physical description), then pull the recorded deeds, plats (maps), and related documents to trace who the deed shows as current owner and how ownership passed from your grandfather.

Why start at the Registry of Deeds and local offices?

• Recorded deeds, mortgages, easements, and plats create a chain of title showing transfers.
• The town or city assessor has tax-map numbers and current owner names tied to parcel IDs.
• Probate records (if your grandfather’s estate was opened) live with the Probate Court and can show whether the property passed by will or intestacy.

How to perform that first search — step by step

1. Identify the parcel: Find the property address, tax map/lot number, or physical description. If you don’t have that, start with the town/city assessor’s office or tax maps.
2. Visit the County Registry of Deeds (online or in person):
   • Look up recorded deeds for the parcel. Start with the most recent deed that shows current ownership and then follow the chain backward to your grandfather’s deed.
   • Pull any plats (subdivision or survey maps) associated with the parcel.
   • Note recorded easements, liens, or mortgages that might affect ownership or rights.

   Many NH counties have searchable online indexes; a central resource for New Hampshire registers of deeds is: https://www.nhdeeds.org/.

3. Check town/city records:
   • Contact the local assessor to confirm the parcel ID and current owner on the tax rolls.
   • Visit the town clerk for any local recorded documents (some towns record certain agreements or encumbrances).
4. Look for probate or estate records:
   • If your grandfather died owning the land, the property may have been transferred via probate. Check the Probate Court where he lived for a will or estate file. New Hampshire courts: https://www.courts.state.nh.us/.
5. Consider a title search or title report:
   • If the recorded chain looks complicated, a title company or an attorney can prepare a title report showing who the record owner is and any encumbrances.
6. If boundary or ownership appears disputed:
   • Hire a licensed land surveyor to confirm boundaries and a New Hampshire attorney experienced in real property to interpret the records and advise on adverse possession, boundary lines, or quiet-title actions.

What you can expect to find

The Registry of Deeds and town records normally show:

• Deeds that transfer ownership and their legal descriptions.
• Plats/surveys that show parcel boundaries.
• Mortgages, releases, liens, easements, and other recorded restrictions.
• Current owner name as listed on tax rolls (which may not always match recorded title if transfers weren’t recorded).

When the records don’t give a clear answer

If deeds are missing, a will wasn’t probated, transfers were informal, or there are competing claims, you may need:

• An attorney to file or respond to a quiet-title lawsuit.
• A title company to search older, more complex records.
• A surveyor’s report to resolve boundary disputes.

Helpful Hints

• Bring any documents you already have (old deeds, tax bills, wills, maps) to the Registry of Deeds and town offices — they speed the search.
• Start with the town assessor if you only have an address; they can give you the tax map/lot number you need for the registry search.
• Many NH county registries allow online searching and document ordering; check the NH Registers of Deeds resource to find links for your county.
• A recorded deed controls legal title more than who pays taxes. Tax records show who the municipality believes is responsible for taxes, but they are not definitive title proof.
• If the property passed through probate, request the probate case file number and documents—those files often explain how property transferred after death.
• Consider a limited title search if you want a professional summary; it costs money but can save time and avoid missed defects.
• If there are signs someone else has been using or claiming the land, contact a New Hampshire real property attorney right away—timing can matter for adverse-possession or prescriptive-right claims.
• Keep copies of everything you collect and record dates, names, and document numbers for future reference or to share with an attorney.