Using Probate & Estate Records to Find Your Ancestors
Probate records are usually thought of as wills or administrations of estates, but often this same court determines mental competency and guardianships.
When talking about an estate, a person dies either testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will). If there is no will, and Administrator or Administratrix is appointed. If there is a will, the document will specify and Executor or Executrix. Don't assume that if there is no will, the records will have little information. Quite the contrary; in an intestate proceeding, often all the heirs will be named. A will may name only those selected by the writer. A will will specify real and personal property as designated by the writer. If there is an adminstration of the estate, it will be accomapanied by an inventory that lists anything of value.
