England Probate Records: Difference between revisions

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== Types of Probate Records  ==
== Types of Probate Records  ==


'''Will'''. Technically, a will conveys real (immovable) property to heirs after an individual’s death. A registered will is an official copy made by a court clerk.  ([[Image:Letter of Administration.pdf|Sample: Letter of Administration]])
'''Will'''. Technically, a will conveys real (immovable) property to heirs after an individual’s death. A registered will is an official copy made by a court clerk.   


'''Testament'''. A testament conveys personal (moveable) property to heirs. The term will eventually referred to both a will and a testament.  
'''Testament'''. A testament conveys personal (moveable) property to heirs. The term will eventually referred to both a will and a testament.  
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'''Codicil'''. A codicil is a signed, witnessed addition to a will.  
'''Codicil'''. A codicil is a signed, witnessed addition to a will.  


'''Administration, Letters of Administration, or Admon'''. These refer to a document appointing someone to supervise the estate’s distribution for someone who died "intestate" (without a will). This document gives very little information but may contain some useful clues. The administrator is usually a relative of the deceased.  
'''Administration, Letters of Administration, or Admon'''. These refer to a document appointing someone to supervise the estate’s distribution for someone who died "intestate" (without a will). This document gives very little information but may contain some useful clues. The administrator is usually a relative of the deceased. ([[Image:Letter of Administration.pdf|Click here to open a sample Letter of Administration]])


'''Admon with Will'''. This record grants administration to someone else when the executor named in the will is deceased or is unwilling or unable to act as executor. A copy of the will is attached.  
'''Admon with Will'''. This record grants administration to someone else when the executor named in the will is deceased or is unwilling or unable to act as executor. A copy of the will is attached.  
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'''Act Book'''. An act book contains day-by-day accounts of court actions, usually giving brief details of the probate matters dealt with. In the absence of indexes, these books help locate desired documents.  
'''Act Book'''. An act book contains day-by-day accounts of court actions, usually giving brief details of the probate matters dealt with. In the absence of indexes, these books help locate desired documents.  


'''Bond'''. A bond is a written guarantee that a person will faithfully perform the tasks assigned to him by a probate court. The executor posted a testamentary bond, the administrator posted an administration bond, and the guardian of a minor child posted a bond of tuition or curation.  
'''Bond'''. A bond is a written guarantee that a person will faithfully perform the tasks assigned to him by a probate court. The executor posted a testamentary bond, the administrator posted an administration bond, and the guardian of a minor child posted a bond of tuition or curation.
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== General Historical Background  ==
== General Historical Background  ==
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