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| While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they have [[United States Probate Limitations|limitations]]. | | While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they have [[United States Probate Limitations|limitations]]. |
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| === Jurisdictions === | | === Jurisdictions === |
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| Iowa probate records date from about 1834, when the first county in the state was created. A probate court was created in each county when Iowa became an organized territory. These courts were responsible for settling estates. Probate courts were eventually discontinued, and probate matters have since been the responsibility of the district courts. Before 1887 some probate cases were settled in circuit courts and from 1851 to 1868, some in county courts. Probate records may include: | | Iowa probate records date from about 1834, when the first county in the state was created. A probate court was created in each county when Iowa became an organized territory. These courts were responsible for settling estates. Probate courts were eventually discontinued, and probate matters have since been the responsibility of the district courts. Before 1887 some probate cases were settled in circuit courts and from 1851 to 1868, some in county courts. You can write to the clerk of the district court for copies of wills, administrations, dockets, calendars, and other records. |
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| *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letters_of_Administration '''Administration''']: Gives authority to the administrator to settle the estate.
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| *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrogate_Court '''Distributions''']: The manor in which the deceased's possessions are allocated.
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| *[[Genealogical Dictionary of Legal Terms|'''Dower Rights''']]: Dower rights are the rights that a non owner spouse has in the real property of his or her spouse.
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| *'''Estate File''': The file containing information about the property left by the deceased, to be dispersed between the surviving heirs.
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| *'''Guardianship''': Probate Guardianship is when the Court appoints an adult who is not the child’s parent to take care of the child or the child’s property. <ref> [http://www.scselfservice.org/probate/minor/guardianship.htm Superior Court of California County of Santa Clara] </ref>
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| *'''Intestate''': When an individual dies without leaving a will. <ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/intestate Answers.com] </ref>
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| *'''Probate Case File''': All of the various loose papers that have been created throughout the probate process. These are bound together and archived by case number; they are also called a case or estate files, or probate estate papers. <ref> [http://www.byub.org/ancestors/records/glossary/index.html#probate_packet Ancestors Glossary]</ref>
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| *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administration_of_an_estate_on_death '''Letters of Administration''']: A document from a probate court allowing the administrator of an intestate estate to settle the estate. <ref> [http://www.answers.com/topic/letters-of-administration Answers.com] </ref>
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| *[[Petitions|'''Letters Testamentary''']]: A document issued by a probate court empowering the executor of the Estate to discharge the appointed responsibilities. <ref> [http://www.answers.com/topic/letters-testamentary Answers.com]</ref>
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| *'''Settlements''': The finalized accounting of how the estate was divided among the heirs, with the heirs acknowledging they have received their fair portion and will make no other claims with the estate. <ref> [http://www.byub.org/ancestors/records/glossary/index.html#settlement Ancestors Glossary] </ref>
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| *[[Wills|'''Wills''']]: A legal document directing how the deceased wants his or her assets bestowed on others. <ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/will-6 Answers.com] </ref>
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| <br> You can write to the clerk of the district court for copies of wills, administrations, dockets, calendars, and other records.
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| === Obtaining the Records === | | === Obtaining the Records === |