France Probate Records

Probate records are legal records that describe the distribution of a person's estate after he or she dies. In France certain kinds of notarial records are used as probate records.

Orphan and guardianship records (Tutelles, curatelles, émancipations)
Research use: Essential in determining names of birth and adoptive parents and siblings who were separated into various families.

Record type: Adoptions, custody proceedings and emancipations.

Time Period: 1500-present.

Contents: Names of orphans, deceased parents, guardians, surviving relatives, minor heirs, relationships, ages, dates, biographical data.

Location: Departmental and municipal archives, hospitals, notaries.

Percentage in Family History Library: 2%.

Population coverage: 10%.