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

New Zealand

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes digital images of probate records created by local courts throughout New Zealand for the years 1843-1998. The records were filmed at the New Zealand Archives, and images are being published as they become available. Although the index will contain entries up through 1998, the images for probates issued during the past 50 years are unavailable for viewing.

Wills and probate records were kept by each state in Australia, beginning in the 1800s. Anyone of legal age and sound mind, who owned property (real or personal) in New Zealand, had the right to leave a will. An individual who left a will is said to have died "testate." Someone who did not leave a will, or a valid will, died "intestate."

Probate records are court records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after he or she dies. 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. Since a will was the only record necessary for the transfer of property and belongings 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. 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.

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

Probate
 * Name of testator
 * Death date
 * Record 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 Do I Search This Collection?
Before beginning a search in these records, it is best to know the full name of the individual in question, as well as an approximate time range for the desired record. When entered into the search engine on the Collection Page, this information provides the quickest, most reliable path to finding the correct person. Of course, other information can be substituted as necessary. If you want to restrict records by film number go to the FamilySearch Catalog at New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, probate records, 1843-1998 where you can obtain film numbers of desired record by area and date. You will get a list of people whose probate records have been filed during that time and place.

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select Court
 * 2) Select Record Type, Date Range and Volume to view the images.

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?

 * Make sure to fully transcribe and cite the record entry for future reference. See below for assistance in citing this collection. Save or print a copy of the image if possible
 * Identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives mentioned in the record. While family members often appear in probate records, these records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance. Also remember that 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
 * Use the residence to search for other records in that location
 * Use the death date and estimated age to approximate a birth date

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

 * When looking for a person with a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which individual is correct. Use other information, such as place of birth, age, occupation, or names of family members, to determine which candidate is the correct person. If listed, a personal title may be a clue to property ownership or occupation, either of which might be noted in other records
 * Check for variants of given names, surnames, and place names
 * Note that some women reverted to their maiden name when their husband died, and therefore could have probate records under their maiden name
 * Vary the search terms. For example, search by either the given name or surname to return broader list of possible candidates which can then be examined for matches
 * Look at the actual image of the record to verify the information found in the online description, if possible

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in New Zealand.
 * Record Finder
 * 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.