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''Probate'' is the legal court process by which the estate of a deceased person is distributed to his or her heirs. Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. | ''Probate'' is the legal court process by which the estate of a deceased person is distributed to his or her heirs. Before 1858, Church of England ecclesiastical courts had authority for this process. | ||
Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for | Beginning in 1858, the [[Principal Probate Registry|Principal Probate Registry]] had the authority for probating estates (click on the link to learn more about it). | ||
For general information about England probate records, click [[England Probate Records|here]]. | For general information about England probate records, click [[England Probate Records|here]]. | ||
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In addition, an index to the Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858) is available on the National Archives [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/wills.asp?WT.hp=Wills website]. | In addition, an index to the Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (1384 - 1858) is available on the National Archives [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/wills.asp?WT.hp=Wills website]. | ||
=== Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish === | === Step 3. Identify court jurisdictions by parish === | ||
Before 1858, every town and parish in Sussex fell under the probate jurisdiction of a primary court and several secondary or superior courts. If you do not find reference to a probate record for your ancestor in general indexes, you should search a court-specific index, but to do that you must identify the courts that had jurisdiction over the place where your ancestor lived. Click on the letter the name of your place begins with, then follow the steps found there. | Before 1858, every town and parish in Sussex fell under the probate jurisdiction of a primary court and several secondary or superior courts. If you do not find reference to a probate record for your ancestor in general indexes, you should search a court-specific index, but to do that you must identify the courts that had jurisdiction over the place where your ancestor lived. Click on the letter the name of your place begins with, then follow the steps found there. | ||
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| [[Sussex Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with 'T-Z'|T-Z]] | | [[Sussex Probate Jurisdictions for Parishes Beginning with 'T-Z'|T-Z]] | ||
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== Sussex Probate Courts == | == Sussex Probate Courts == | ||