Probate record books

These record books detail the proceedings in estate and guardianship cases. Personal name change cases may also appear. For deceased persons the will, appraisals and inventories, and the settlements are recorded. For guardianships, the appointment of a guardian and frequently an account of some property are noted. Adoptions records give the full order of adoption, often with statements from both the natural and adoptive parents or a social service agency detailing circumstances of the adoption.