AbstractorPro (Real Title Services)
DRN Title Search
Register
Log In
Forget your Password?

Home
Directory
Bulletins
Forums
Blogs
Articles
Links
Classifieds
About Us
Contact Us
Advertise
FAQ
Privacy Policy


William Pattison 's Blog

Custodian of Records
by William Pattison | 2014/11/03 |

  Public agencies in most jurisdictions must have within their ranks a legally mandated "Custodian of Records."  The title may vary slightly, but the duties of the position are essentially the same:  to account for the civil papers, files and records entrusted to that government agency.

William Pattison 's Blog ::

  There exists practical value to knowing this fact.  For a researcher, understanding the final disposition of various records can mean the difference between success and failure in connecting a title chain.

  Example:  A break occurs in a title chain.  It is in the mid-1800's.  As such, it is long prior to the establishment of any local zoning, HOA's, special districts or tax bonds on the loot in question.   A lack of peripheral records for known owners on either side of the break s evident as the researcher attempts to examine voter rolls, business filings, genealogical databases and more for any clues about the various parties in title.  However, one additional set of pertinent records did exist at one time and may still be available.  The combined Property Tax / Assessors Rolls for the period in question might narrow down the names and date of transfer.  The record of final disposition of the rolls is recorded in the legal ledger and accounting books of the custodian of records for the Treasurer and Assessor offices.  Asking for this person, in order to access that ledger can be invaluable in determining if a local library, museum or nonprofit inherited the old microfilm reels, or if they are stored in a government archive, or destroyed long ago.  

   The position is sometimes held by the elected official holding office or a high level administrator given the title of "Deputy" of the agency.  It is a position required by federal law and written into state government codes as a feature of ensuring the integrity of our civil, public records.  As it is codified into law, it is intended to be a moral reflection of the values of open, democratic governance of our society.  Also, as such, it becomes a civil right of We the People to know about and to exercise our right to access such matters, whatever our need.

 




Rating: 

492 words | 1650 views | 0 comments | log in or register to post a comment

William Pattison 's Blog

 

Links

Recent Comments

I conduct all kinds financial and business loan funding transactions with individuals and companies ...
by Dave Philip
Dan: Yes it is the same Shane who used to work in the recorder's office.  Thank you for your th...
by William Pattison
I am sorry to hear about Shane's passing.  My condolences also. Is this the same Shane tha...
by Daniel Silverburg
My condolences on the passing of Shane.  Thank you for your contributions to Source of Title an...
by Robert Franco
It certainly appears to be an attack on local title companies and examiners and outlines what he ha...
by David Bloys
YOU ARE INCORRECT. Same sex marriage is the cause. It requires the legal redefinition of marri...
by Michael Russo
YOU ARE INCORRECT. Same sex marriage is the cause. It requires the legal redefinition of marri...
by Michael Russo
Great article Mr. Pattison, very well put....
by Daniel Silverburg
Categories

     
    © 2020, Source of Title.