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Michigan Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

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Michigan Probate Records, 1797-1973
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
Michigan,
United States
Michigan flag.png
Flag of Michigan
US Locator Michigan.png
Location of Michigan
Record Description
Record Type Probate
Collection years 1797-1973
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
County courthouses, Michigan.


What is in This Collection?

The collection consists of probate records from county courthouses in Michigan for the years 1797 to 1973. Most of the collection contains estate files. The content and time period varies by county. Some of the records date before 1837 when Michigan became a state.

To Browse This Collection

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for Michigan, Probate Records, 1797-1973.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Index and Image Visibility

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

Probate

  • Name of the testator or deceased
  • Names of the heirs, such as spouse, children, other relatives, and friends
  • Name of the executor, administrator, or guardian
  • Names of witnesses
  • Residence of the testator
  • Dates the documents were written and recorded (used to approximate event dates since a will was usually written near the time of death)

Collection Content

Sample Image

  • 1879 Will

    1879 Will

How Do I Search This Collection?

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of your ancestor
  • The approximate death or probate date
  • The place of residence
  • The names of family members who may be named in the probate record

Search the Index

This collection does not have a searchable index. Only images are available. See View the Images to access them.

View the Images

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select County
  2. Select Volume Title and Year to view the images
Tip
 More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog Michigan, Probate Records, 1797-1973. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?

Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Use these records to identify heirs and relatives
  • You may be able to use these records to learn about adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents
  • Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date
  • Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records since the probates exist for an earlier time period
  • You may be able to use the probate record to learn about land transactions
  • Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records
  • Use the occupations listed to find employment records or other types of records such as military records
  • Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased, this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

  • Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names
  • Look for an index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
  • Search the indexes and records of nearby localities

Research Helps

The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Michigan.

Other FamilySearch Collections

These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

FamilySearch Historical Records

FamilySearch Digital Library

Known Issues

Click here for a list of known issues with this collection.

Citing This Collection

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Image Citation:
When looking at an image, the citation is found on the Information tab at the bottom left of the screen.
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