Portugal, Aveiro Testament Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This genealogy collection of testaments (notary public wills) includes the years 1900 to 1936. These records are from collection of testaments created in the presence of notaries and housed at the Aveiro District Archive (Archivo Distrital de Aveiro). These records are written in Portuguese and in narrative style of 2 or more pages.

A testament is a document that sets forth a person's wishes for the disposition of their property after death. Testaments (wills) in Portugal are written and kept by a notary public. A person wanting to leave a will after death goes to a notary public anywhere in Portugal and, after presenting legal identification, can start composing his will with the help of the notary public. The notary agency keeps the original document and a copy is given to the testator. The testator may also register a will in the Conservatória dos Registros Centrais (Central Conservatory of Records) in Lisbon. This entity keeps an index of registered wills and the place where it was written and kept.

Generally, people that have any assets, fortune, or property want to divide the fortune among family members, make donations to institutions, etc. in writing. Testaments were created in chronological order in a book kept by the notary public. If you have an approximate date of death of your ancestor, you may search the wills by date. Information in wills can help to find out the type of life or type of individual the ancestor was, can also give information not found in other records.

The genealogical data entered in a will is that of the testator, the dividing of goods, and the heirs. The information written by the notary public depends on the knowledge of the testator. This information may be correct as it may have some errors if the person was relying on memory.

Reading These Records
These records are written in Portuguese. For help reading them see Portuguese Genealogical Word List and Portuguese Letter-writing Guide.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

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 any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family
 * Compile information for every person who has the same surname as your ancestor; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community

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

 * Try searching by surname only
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century
 * Use the parents' birth places to find former residences and to establish a migration pattern for the family
 * Check the civil registration and church records to verify information

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

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Portugal, Aveiro, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * Portugal, Aveiro Passport Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records

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.

Portugal, Aveiro, registros testamentarios (Registros históricos de FamilySearch) Portugal, Aveiro, Testamentos (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)