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New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate and Miscellaneous Records - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions
New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate and Miscellaneous Records - FamilySearch Historical Records (view source)
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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. | 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 [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. | |||
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. | 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. | ||
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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. | 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. | <br> 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. | 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. | 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 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A//api.familysearch.org/records/collection/1865481/waypoints Browse]. | 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]. | ||
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Digital images of originals housed at various municipal archives throughout New Zealand. | Digital images of originals housed at various municipal archives throughout New Zealand. | ||
[[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.]] | [[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 == | == Record Content == | ||
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*Name of ancestor | *Name of ancestor | ||
*Name of spouse | *Name of spouse | ||
* | *Approximate place of death | ||
==== Search the Collection ==== | ==== Search the Collection ==== | ||
To search this collection using the browse: | |||
To search this collection using the browse: | |||
To search the collection, you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒ Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page<br>⇒Select the "Probate Court" category<br>⇒Select the "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" category which will take you to the images. | To search the collection, you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒ Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page<br>⇒Select the "Probate Court" category<br>⇒Select the "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" category which will take you to the images. | ||
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Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination. | Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination. | ||
==== | ==== General Information About These Records ==== | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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== Known Issues with This Collection == | == Known Issues with This Collection == | ||
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*[http://archives.govt.nz/research/ordering-archives/our-research-and-copying-services/our-research-services/probate-records Archives New Zealand] | *[http://archives.govt.nz/research/ordering-archives/our-research-and-copying-services/our-research-services/probate-records Archives New Zealand] | ||
*[http://www.justice.govt.nz/services/get-a-copy-of-a-will Ministry of Justice] | *[http://www.justice.govt.nz/services/get-a-copy-of-a-will Ministry of Justice] | ||
*[http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ Archives of New Zealand - Probate Record Index] | |||
== Related Wiki Articles == | == Related Wiki Articles == | ||