will – testament

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

These volumes contain copies of wills, a legal instrument which divides a person's possessions and assets among his/her beneficiaries. Wills are administered by probate courts if the need arises and give information concerning the executor of the estate, as well as the signatures of witnesses and attorneys involved. A will may be divided into several sections and cover a variety of topics that concern the estate.