Australia, Western Australia, Supreme Court Probate Records Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
These cards index the probate records from the Supreme Court of Western Australia and cover the years from 1832 to 1989. The original index is located in the State Archives in Perth, Australia. The Australia, Western Australia Probate Records Index contains a set of index cards arranged alphabetically by surname. The indexed cards identify the deceased individual by name. Also included on the card are the date and place of death and names and description of executors or administrators. The most important key to the card is the registry number for the specific will, it is usually a number over the year of death in the right hand corner. This may also reference a book and page number. Either number is needed to access a will.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * The name of the deceased person
 * Date of death
 * Place of death


 * Residence
 * Names and residence of executors or administrators

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * An approximate year of death
 * Other family members who may be listed as heirs in the probate

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add the new information to your records
 * Use the information to find the person in other records
 * Analyze the entry to see if if provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Not all individuals left a will. A court may have divided the property or the individual may have had nothing to leave behind
 * Heirs listed on your ancestor’s probate by a different surname may be relatives
 * A will does not necessarily list all of your ancestor’s children or family members
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of his name
 * Try searching by surname only

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Australia.
 * Record Finder
 * Australia Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.