Quebec, Wills - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes probate records from 1759-1931. Images of wills from several judicial districts are included in this collection. In Quebec, records that are equivalent to probate records are part of the notarial records. This includes wills, inventories after death, and guardianship records.

Reading These Records
These records are written in French. For help with reading the records, see French Wordlist and France Language and Languages.

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


 * Name of deceased
 * Date of death
 * Place of death
 * Age of deceased


 * Name of executor
 * Family relationships
 * Names of witnesses
 * Religious affiliation

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?

 * Look at an image of the original record. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index.
 * Use the information found in the will to search for the family in census records.
 * Use the information found in the will to search for the family in church records.
 * Use the information found in the will to search civil registration records.

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

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This can help you find possible relatives.
 * Search the records of nearby areas.
 * Check for other names. An individual might appear under an unexpected name for a variety of reasons:
 * - They might have been listed under a middle name, nickname, or abbreviation of their given name.
 * -A woman may have returned to her maiden name after the death of her husband.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Canada.
 * 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.