Probate occurs regardless of whether a person left a "Last Will and Testament".
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 find old probate records
The court appoints an administrator to distribute assets according to state law. Probate occurs regardless of whether a person left
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 these records are invaluable
The court verifies the will’s legality and ensures the executor follows its instructions.