Whether you are trying to find a long lost relative or trying to fill out the family tree, a probate search may be the answer you are looking for. Many people search birth records, marriage records, and divorce records but they forget about the probate records. This one simple tool can give you more information than you think. Here’s how.

Why Bother with a Probate Search?
What people do not realize is that the probate records contain more than just the property records. It actually tells you who the estate was given to and who thought they had a claim. That means you now get lots of names you may not know existed.

If a Will is involved, then you see who the deceased thought was important. The Will can include more than just immediate family. It may include cousins, aunts, friends and anyone else. Search through these names and you might find a family connection.

Sometimes, people are not included in the Will. They can file a claim with the court as well. These people are also included in the probate records. So not only do you see who the deceased thought was important, but you see who else thought they should be included.

Where to Begin with a Probate Search
The easiest place to start is online. You can search through the records online before ever reaching a courthouse. Unless you need an official copy, there is no real reason to go to the county court.

You will need the name of the deceased (decedent) to search online. If you know the state and county, then this will make searching online easier. However, this information is not necessary.

What to do with the Probate Information
You did the search and now you have all this information. Unfortunately, you do not know what to do with it all. It can be overwhelming but here are some tips on what to do next.

• Birth Records Search – The first thing you want to do is search the birth records. This way you can get an idea if they belong in the family tree. Not everyone listed, will be part of the family.
• Divorce Records Search – Once you find a member of the family, search the divorce records. Divorce records will list the spouse and any children.
• People Search – The probate records will list the name and address. Conduct a people search to locate members and find out what they know.

You can start your probate search now and start filling out that family tree tonight. It is simple and easy.

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When you first start searching probate information, you may become overwhelmed with the information you find. Oftentimes, there are claims, counter-claims, executors, collection agencies, lawyers and so many people involved. Then if there is more than one Will, the whole thing becomes a big mess. However, if you know what you are looking at and for, then you will find searching through probate records much easier.

What You Can Expect to Find in Probate Records
You can expect to find all the documents related to probate court. The probate court generally works with these five different areas.

1. Authenticating the Last Will and Testament
2. Appraising the Value of the Estate including its inventory
3. Selecting and Appointing an Executor of the Will
4. Determining debt and paying off loans, debts and taxes
5. Dividing the property and inventory based on the Will or governing laws.

How is Any of that Useful?
Depending on why you are searching, you can gain loads of information from probate records. For example:

Genealogy

• When you go through probate records, you see who had a direct claim on the property. You also see who was included in the Will. These people may be relatives. At the very least, they were close enough to the family to be included in the Will.
• You will also see the address of the living relatives. The full name and address at the time of the descendant’s death is recorded in the records. This makes searching for people much simpler.

Property Claims

• Probate records list all the assets of the deceased and where it went. Sometimes property is forgotten about and assets left untouched. Searching through probate records, you may find property in your family that you did not know existed.

Where Can I Search Probate Records?
Few people realize that probate records are open to the general public. This means once you file your Will that anyone who chooses can go look at it.

Wills are filed in the county where the person lives. If you choose, you can go to the county’s Probate Office and request to look at the Will, even before a person dies. You can also request for a copy of the will. They will charge you for the copying fee.

This also means you can search probate records online through advanced databases. Start your search now and see what probate information you can dig up.

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