Quick answer

The first step is to check the recorded land records at the county recorder or assessor where the property sits. Locate the deed (or deeds) that describe the parcel, get the legal description, and trace the chain of title back through prior conveyances. That search will show who is listed as the current owner on the official public record and will reveal recorded easements, mortgages, or other title matters you need to know about.

Detailed answer — what to do and why (Oregon)

Start with public recorded documents. In Oregon, ownership of real estate is generally proven by what is recorded in the county where the land lies. County recorders (sometimes called county clerks or registrars) keep deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and many other documents that affect title. County assessors list the parcel for tax purposes and often provide parcel maps and owner name information.

1. Identify the county and parcel.

   Find the county where the land is located. If you have any identifying details (street address, parcel number, legal description on an older deed, or a tax account number), bring them to the search. If not, ask family members for whatever they remember (nearest road, acreage, or landmarks).

2. Search the county recorder’s/assessor’s records.

   Most Oregon counties offer online search tools for recorded deeds and assessor data. Use those tools to find the most recent deed listing the owner. Pull copies of the deed(s) that transferred the property to your grandfather and any subsequent conveyances. Document chain-of-title events: transfers by deed, probate distributions, quitclaim deeds, and any recorded easements or rights-of-way.

3. Check for probate records.

   If your grandfather’s estate went through probate, ownership may have changed by court order. Probate records are kept by the county circuit court. Look for a probate case or a final order distributing property to heirs. If probate never occurred, the deed chain may show other mechanisms (joint tenancy, transfer-on-death instruments, or life estate reservations).

4. Review tax and plat maps.

   Assessor records will confirm who is paying taxes and often show parcel boundaries. Plats and surveys filed in the county will show recorded dimensions. Discrepancies between the physical boundary and the legal description may require a survey.

5. Look for recorded encumbrances and exceptions.

   Deeds may reserve easements, grant rights to neighbors, or contain conditions. Mortgages, liens, or judgments may also attach. These will appear in the recorded chain and affect how ownership interests operate in practice.

If the recorded chain cleanly shows who holds title to the portion at issue, that may be all you need. If the records are unclear, missing, or contain conflicting documents, take additional steps below.

When the records don’t give a clear answer

If you find conflicting deeds, missing conveyances, or long gaps in the chain, consider these possibilities under Oregon practice:

• Probate or intestate succession issues — title might have passed through a court case. Check the circuit court probate records in the county where your grandfather lived.
• Joint ownership, life estates, or transfer-on-death instruments — these can affect who has the right to sell or use the land even though a name appears on a deed.
• Boundary disputes or ambiguous descriptions — the physical acreage or use may not match the legal description on paper. A licensed surveyor can resolve boundary issues.
• Adverse possession or prescriptive rights — long-standing occupation by another party can raise claims that cloud title. These are fact-specific and often require legal action to resolve.

Practical next steps after the initial record search

1. Get certified copies of deeds and any probate orders you find from the county offices.
2. Order a current title report from a title company to identify recorded issues and a title insurance commitment if you intend to buy or sell.
3. Hire a licensed surveyor if the boundary or legal description is unclear.
4. If the chain of title is contested or unclear, consult a licensed Oregon real property attorney about a quiet title action or other remedies in circuit court.

For general reference about Oregon statutes and how recorded instruments operate, see the Oregon Revised Statutes at the Oregon Legislature website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/Pages/ORS.aspx. For county-level procedures, consult the recorder and assessor offices in the county where the property sits.

Important: Certain remedies (like quiet title, adverse possession claims, or probate petitions) have strict time limits and special legal requirements in Oregon. If you are unsure what the records mean, contact a licensed Oregon attorney for advice tailored to your situation.

Helpful hints

• Start online. Many Oregon counties let you search deeds and assessor maps from home.
• Write down the legal description word-for-word from any deed you find — it’s the primary identifier for the parcel.
• Get a title report if you plan to buy, sell, or finance the property. A title company will flag problems the public search might miss.
• Ask for certified copies of important documents; copies you print online may not be acceptable for court or title work.
• If neighbors claim rights to the land, document use (photos, dates, witness names). That helps an attorney evaluate adverse possession or prescriptive easement risks.
• When in doubt, hire professionals: a title attorney for legal questions and a licensed surveyor for boundary matters.
• Record-keeping tip: Keep a folder with deeds, probate papers, tax records, surveys, and correspondence about the property.