Canada, Nova Scotia Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection includes records from 1760-1993.

These records include probate proceedings from Nova Scotia, such as estate files, inventories, wills, administrations, and other records related to probate. Most of the records are dated from 1800-1940, but coverage varies by area.

Probate records such as wills, inventories, and administrations are very helpful. Many of these records give names, dates, residences, possessions, and relationships. More information about Nova Scotia probate records can be found in this wiki article.

Record Content
Probate records may contain the following information:


 * Name of deceased
 * Death date
 * Names of heirs and guardians
 * Relationship to the deceased
 * Last residence
 * An inventory of the estate
 * Names of witnesses

How to Use the Record
This section provides information on how to search the collection, what to do if you have trouble finding your ancestor, and what to do with the information once found.

To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information:


 * Name of deceased
 * Approximate year and place of death
 * Last place of residence

Search the Collection
To browse by image: To search the collection, you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate "County" ⇒Select the appropriate "Volume Title and Year" 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.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community.
 * Probate records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who previously received an inheritance.
 * The spouse mentioned in a will may not be the parent of the children mentioned.
 * Use the names of the family members to search for birth records.
 * Use the name of the spouse (if married) to search for a marriage record.

Related Websites

 * Nova Scotia Archives
 * Built Heritage Resource Guide
 * Nova Scotia Genealogy Records Online
 * BYU Library Nova Scotia Research Outline

Related Wiki Articles

 * Nova Scotia Probate Records
 * Nova Scotia
 * Canada Probate Records
 * Canada

Citations for This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. 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. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually.

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