In every county in the different states there is an officer, known
as register or recorder, whose duty it is to enter in regular
folios, or books, a copy of every deed or mortgage presented to
him. The document then becomes a part of the county records.

The grantee must pay the recording fees.

Anyone, on paying the fee for copying and certifying, can obtain a
copy of any document that has been recorded in a register's
office.

If an original deed is lost, the certified copy of the register
has all the legality of the original.

All deeds and other papers of value should be carefully kept, so
that they may be available, if needed.

A small safe deposit box with a company that keeps such spaces for
rent, is often a wise investment.

Keep all related papers in one package or envelope.

If there is one lawyer who attends to all your legal business, he
will be a good custodian of all papers of record, for he usually
has a fireproof safe.