New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection covers the years 1848-1991.

The records include digital images of probate records from the New Zealand Archives. The records were created by local courts throughout New Zealand regions. Images are being published as images become available.

The probate records are categorized in order by county, record type, date range, and volume. The earlier probate packets are arranged in three series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.

An index is available on the Archives of New Zealand website, which will give the probate record number associated with a name. When you search for a name on the index, it will bring up a list of documents that mention that name. When you find the entry you are looking for, click on "Order Details" to find the probate record number. On FamilySearch find the range of record numbers that includes your record number. Be prepared to sort through the files as they are often out of numerical order at the beginning of the set.

Anyone of legal age and sound mind, who owned property (real or personal) in New Zealand, had the right to leave a will. The probate process began with a testator executing a will, followed by witnesses attesting and subscribing the will. After the death of a testator, the will was probated by the executor, usually at the court nearest the deceased’s place of residence.

Whereas a will was the only record necessary for the transfer of property and belongs to family and close friends, disagreements often occurred. To solve such disagreements, all those involved instigated a probate. The records in this collection represent the eventual conclusions of those probate hearings.

Wills or probate records were kept by each state in Australia, beginning in the 1800s.

An individual who left a will is said to have dies "testate." Someone who did not leave a will, or a valid will, died "intestate." The probate process is essentially the same for both and may take many years to complete.

Probate records are court records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after he or she dies. Even though probate records were not created for every person who died, they are very helpful for research because civil authorities began recording probate actions earlier than they recorded birth and death records.

To learn more about the probate records, the article New Zealand Probate Records has an expanded description of the records.

For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Record Content
Probate records may contain the following information:


 * Name of testator
 * Death date
 * Occupation
 * Names of heirs
 * Guardians and executor
 * Relationships
 * Residences
 * Addresses of property owned
 * An inventory of the estate (including trade and household goods)
 * Names of witnesses

How to Use the Record
To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information.


 * Name of ancestor
 * Approximate year and place of death
 * Name of court

Search the Collection
Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line video at FamilySearch Search Tips.

To search the collection image by image select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page: ⇒Select the appropriate "Probate Court" ⇒Select the appropriate "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" which will take you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

General Information About These Records
The earliest probate packets are arranged in 3 series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.

While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they must be used with some caution.

For example:


 * They may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance.
 * The spouse mentioned in a will may not be the parent of the children mentioned, or relationships noted in the will may not have the same meaning as they do today.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites

 * Archives New Zealand
 * Ministry of Justice
 * Archives of New Zealand - Probate Record Index

Related Wiki Articles
New Zealand Probate Records

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
Citations for individual image records are available for this collection. Browse through images in this collection and click on the "Show Citation" box: New Zealand, Probate Records, 1848-1991

When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records

Digital images of originals housed at various municipal archives throughout New Zealand.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.