New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate and Miscellaneous Records - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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'''[[New Zealand Genealogy|New Zealand]]'''
{{FamilySearch_Collection
|CID=CID1865481
|title=New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878-1960
|location=Australia and New Zealand}}<br>


{{New Zealand HR Infobox
<br>
| CID = CID1865481
 
| title = New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate and Miscellaneous Records, 1842-1998
== Record Description  ==
| location = New Zealand
 
| LOC_01 =
This collection covers the years 1878-1960.
| LOC_02 =
 
| LOC_03 =
This collection contains digital images of probate records from the New Zealand Archives. The records were created by local courts throughout New Zealand regions. Images are being published as images become available.
| loc_map =
 
| record_type = Probate
The probate records are categorized in order by county, record type, date range, and volume. The earlier probate packets are arranged in three series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.
| start_year = 1842
 
| end_year = 1998
An index is available on the [http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Archives of New Zealand] website, which will give the probate record number associated with a name. When you search for a name on the index, it will bring up a list of documents that mention that name. When you find the entry you are looking for, click on "Order Details" to find the probate record number. On FamilySearch find the range of record numbers that includes your record number. Be prepared to sort through the files as they are often out of numerical order at the beginning of the set.
| FS_URL_01 = [[New Zealand Research Tips and Strategies]]
 
| FS_URL_02 = [[New Zealand Record Finder]]
Anyone of legal age and sound mind, who owned property (real or personal) in New Zealand, had the right to leave a will. The probate process began with a testator executing a will, followed by witnesses attesting and subscribing the will. After the death of a testator, the will was probated by the executor, usually at the court nearest the deceased’s place of residence.
| FS_URL_03 = [[New Zealand Online Genealogy Records]]
 
| FS_URL_04 = [[New Zealand Online Learning]]
Whereas a will was the only record necessary for the transfer of property and belongs to family and close friends, disagreements often occurred. To solve such disagreements, all those involved instigated a probate. The records in this collection represent the eventual conclusions of those probate hearings.
| FS_URL_05 = [[New Zealand Probate Records]]  
 
| FS_URL_06 = [[New Zealand Land and Property]]
<br> Probate records are court records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after he or she dies.
| FS_URL_07 =
 
| FS_URL_08 =
Even though probate records were not created for every person who died, they are very helpful for research because civil authorities began recording probate actions earlier than they recorded birth and death records.
| FS_URL_09 =
 
| FS_URL_10 =
To learn more about the probate records, the article [[New Zealand Probate Records]] has an expanded description of the records.
| Coverage =
 
| Inventory =
For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A//api.familysearch.org/records/collection/1865481/waypoints Browse].
| DFNL =
 
| RW_URL_01 = Archives of New Zealand: [http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Probate Record Index]
=== Citation for This Collection  ===
| RW_URL_02 = New Zealand Ministry of Justice: [https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/high-court/apply-for-probate-and-get-copy-of-will/ Apply for probate & get a copy of a will]  
 
| RW_URL_03 =
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records
| RW_URL_04 =
 
| RW_URL_05 =
{{Collection citation | text= "New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878-1960." Images. <i>FamilySearch</i>. http://FamilySearch.org : accessed 2013. Citing National Archives, Wellington.}}
| custodian = [http://archives.govt.nz/ Archives New Zealand]
 
}}
Digital images of originals housed at various municipal archives throughout New Zealand.
== What is in This Collection? ==
 
This collection includes digital images of probate records created by local courts throughout New Zealand for the years 1843-1998. Although the index will contain entries up through 1998, the images for probates issued during the past 50 years are unavailable for viewing.
[[New Zealand Probate Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]  
 
== Record Content  ==
 
<gallery caption="New Zealand Probate Record Examples">
Image:New Zealand Probate Records DGS 4589191 10.jpg|Probate Record example 1
Image:New Zealand Probate Records DGS 4589191 11.jpg|Probate record example 2
</gallery>
 
These probate records may contain the following information:


{{HR Add}}
=== Computer Aided Indexing (CAI) ===
{{HR CAI}}
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
{{Image Visibility}}
=== To Browse This Collection ===
{{Collection Browse Link |CID=CID1865481 | title =New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate and Miscellaneous Records, 1843-1998 }}
== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
The following information may be found in these records:
{{columns-list|2|
*Name of testator  
*Name of testator  
*Death date  
*Death date  
*Record date
*Occupation  
*Occupation  
*Names of heirs  
*Names of heirs  
Line 54: Line 55:
*Residences  
*Residences  
*Addresses of property owned  
*Addresses of property owned  
*An inventory of the estate (including trade and household goods)
*An inventory of the estate (including trade and household goods)  
*Names of witnesses
*Names of witnesses
}}
 
== Collection Content ==
== How to Use the Record  ==
=== Sample Images ===
 
<gallery widths="160px" heights="120px" perrow="4">
To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information.
Image:New Zealand Probate Records DGS 4589191 11.jpg|1858 Probate
 
Image:New Zealand Probate Records DGS 4589191 10.jpg|1903 Probate
*Name of ancestor
</gallery>
*Approximate year and place of death
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==
*Name of court
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 
*Name of the person
==== Search the Collection  ====
*Approximate date of the event
 
=== Search the Index ===
To search this collection using the browse:
{{Search Collection Link | CID=CID1865481 }}
 
=== View the Images ===
To search the collection image by image select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page:<br>
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1865481 | browse_1 = Court | browse_2 = Record Type, Date Range and Volume | browse_3 = | browse_4 = | browse_5 = | browse_6 = }}
⇒Select the appropriate "Probate Court"<br>
=== How Do I Analyze the Results? ===
⇒Select the appropriate "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" which will take you to the images.
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 [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log |research log]].
 
== What Do I Do Next? ==
Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.  
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
 
*Add any new information to your records
==== General Information About These Records  ====
*If available, check the image for additional information
 
*Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family
The earliest probate packets are arranged in 3 series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.
=== I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now? ===  
 
*Try searching by surname only
While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they must be used with some caution. For example, they may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance. The spouse mentioned in a will may not be the parent of the children mentioned, or relationships noted in the will may not have the same meaning as they do today.
*The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 
*Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century
== Known Issues with This Collection  ==
=== Research Helps ===
 
The following articles will help you research your family in [[New Zealand Genealogy|New Zealand]].
{{HR Known Issues}}For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached [[New Zealand Probate Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Wiki article]]. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.
* [[New Zealand Record Finder]]
 
* [[New Zealand Research Tips and Strategies]]
== Related Websites  ==
== Known Issues ==
 
{{HR KI}}
*[http://archives.govt.nz/research/ordering-archives/our-research-and-copying-services/our-research-services/probate-records Archives New Zealand]
== Citing This Collection ==
*[http://www.justice.govt.nz/services/get-a-copy-of-a-will Ministry of Justice]
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.
*[http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Archives of New Zealand - Probate Record Index]
{{Collection citation}}
 
{{Record_Citation}}
== Related Wiki Articles  ==
{{Image_Citation}}
 
{{H-langs|en=New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|pt=Nova Zelândia, Arquivos da Nova Zelândia, Registros de Inventário (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)}}
*[[New Zealand|New Zealand]]  
*[[New Zealand Probate Records]]
 
== Contributions to This Article  ==
 
{{Contributor_invite}}  
 
== Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections  ==
 
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.  
 
A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article [[Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections]].
 
=== Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection  ===
 
"New Zealand, Probate Records" index and images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://ds.familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21311-24752-43?cc=1865481&amp;wc=MMM2-38C:n1057584975&nbsp;: accessed 7 August 2012),&gt; Blenheim Supreme Courty &gt; Probates 1955-1956 rec 3485, 3447, 3426-3504 &gt; Image 506 of 854; Joseph Harvey Michelle, 8 November 1955; citing Court Records; Probate files, 1925-1926, rec, 2215-2252, images 1-14; National Library of New Zealand, Aukland, New Zealand.

Revision as of 09:39, 15 March 2013

FamilySearch Record Search This article describes a collection of historical records available at FamilySearch.org.
Access the records: New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878-1960 .
CID1865481
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Record Description[edit | edit source]

This collection covers the years 1878-1960.

This collection contains digital images of probate records from the New Zealand Archives. The records were created by local courts throughout New Zealand regions. Images are being published as images become available.

The probate records are categorized in order by county, record type, date range, and volume. The earlier probate packets are arranged in three series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.

An index is available on the Archives of New Zealand website, which will give the probate record number associated with a name. When you search for a name on the index, it will bring up a list of documents that mention that name. When you find the entry you are looking for, click on "Order Details" to find the probate record number. On FamilySearch find the range of record numbers that includes your record number. Be prepared to sort through the files as they are often out of numerical order at the beginning of the set.

Anyone of legal age and sound mind, who owned property (real or personal) in New Zealand, had the right to leave a will. The probate process began with a testator executing a will, followed by witnesses attesting and subscribing the will. After the death of a testator, the will was probated by the executor, usually at the court nearest the deceased’s place of residence.

Whereas a will was the only record necessary for the transfer of property and belongs to family and close friends, disagreements often occurred. To solve such disagreements, all those involved instigated a probate. The records in this collection represent the eventual conclusions of those probate hearings.


Probate records are court records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after he or she dies.

Even though probate records were not created for every person who died, they are very helpful for research because civil authorities began recording probate actions earlier than they recorded birth and death records.

To learn more about the probate records, the article New Zealand Probate Records has an expanded description of the records.

For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Citation for This Collection[edit | edit source]

The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.

Digital images of originals housed at various municipal archives throughout New Zealand.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content[edit | edit source]

  • New Zealand Probate Record Examples
  • Probate Record example 1

    Probate Record example 1

  • Probate record example 2

    Probate record example 2

These probate records may contain the following information:

  • Name of testator
  • Death date
  • Occupation
  • Names of heirs
  • Guardians and executor
  • Relationships
  • Residences
  • Addresses of property owned
  • An inventory of the estate (including trade and household goods)
  • Names of witnesses

How to Use the Record[edit | edit source]

To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information.

  • Name of ancestor
  • Approximate year and place of death
  • Name of court

Search the Collection[edit | edit source]

To search this collection using the browse:

To search the collection image by image select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page:
⇒Select the appropriate "Probate Court"
⇒Select the appropriate "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" which will take you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

General Information About These Records[edit | edit source]

The earliest probate packets are arranged in 3 series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.

While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they must be used with some caution. For example, they may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance. The spouse mentioned in a will may not be the parent of the children mentioned, or relationships noted in the will may not have the same meaning as they do today.

Known Issues with This Collection[edit | edit source]

For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to support@familysearch.org. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites[edit | edit source]

Related Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

Contributions to This Article[edit | edit source]

Template:Contributor invite

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections[edit | edit source]

When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection[edit | edit source]

"New Zealand, Probate Records" index and images, FamilySearch (https://ds.familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21311-24752-43?cc=1865481&wc=MMM2-38C:n1057584975 : accessed 7 August 2012),> Blenheim Supreme Courty > Probates 1955-1956 rec 3485, 3447, 3426-3504 > Image 506 of 854; Joseph Harvey Michelle, 8 November 1955; citing Court Records; Probate files, 1925-1926, rec, 2215-2252, images 1-14; National Library of New Zealand, Aukland, New Zealand.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=New_Zealand,_Archives_New_Zealand,_Probate_and_Miscellaneous_Records_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records&oldid=1270732"