Probate Index

Probate refers to the legal process by which an individual’s property and possessions are distributed to the heirs of the estate or creditors. The probate court also handles decisions regarding the guardianship of heirs if a person died with minors still living with them. Our probate files can include records such as wills, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, orders, decrees, and distributions.

Probate records are a great and reliable source of genealogical information. Here are some examples of the types of information you can find in these records, but it’s certainly not exhaustive.

• Names and relationships of family members as well as friends and neighbors who were alive at that time
• Bequests to individuals or organizations
• Testator’s instructions on their property, the family business, education of the children, etc.
• Religious affiliation
• Burial arrangements
• Occupation of the testator and family members
• Married surnames of daughters as well as the names of the daughters’ husbands
• Identities of heirs who were minors
• …and more!

Each probate record is identified by name of the testator (i.e. the person who died) and those are ordered alphabetically by last name and then first name. 

Copies of records may be obtained by mail or as a digital file for a fee.