Probate occurs regardless of whether a person left a "Last Will and Testament".
The Paper Trail: A Guide to Finding Old Probate Records Probate records are the legal documents created after a person's death to manage and distribute their estate. For historians and genealogists, these records are invaluable, often revealing family structures, economic status, and property ownership that vital records might miss. 1. Understanding the Record Types find old probate records
The court appoints an administrator to distribute assets according to state law. Probate occurs regardless of whether a person left
A full "probate packet" may contain the original will, death certificate, letters of testamentary (or administration), estate inventories with asset values, guardianship papers for minors, and creditor claims. 2. Strategic Search Locations letters of testamentary (or administration)
In the United States, probate is governed by state law but almost always administered at the . Online Digital Repositories Probate Records
The court verifies the will’s legality and ensures the executor follows its instructions.