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

New Zealand

What is in the 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 This Collection Tell Me?
The following list indicates potential information provided in these records. It must be remembered that every record may not provide all the listed information, as record-keeping practices varied greatly over time. Probate Records may include:
 * 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 the Collection?
The probate records are categorized in order by county, record type, date range, and volume. The earlier probate packets are arranged in three series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.

An index is available on the Archives of New Zealand website, which will give the probate record number associated with a name. When you search for a name on the index, it will bring up a list of documents that mention that name. When you find the entry you are looking for, click on "Order Details" to find the probate record number. On FamilySearch find the range of record numbers that includes your record number. Be prepared to sort through the files as they are often out of numerical order at the beginning of the set.

To search this collection by name: Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor.

To search 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 "Court" ⇒Select the appropriate "Record Type, Date Range and Volume" which will take you to the images.

Search the collection by image 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.

When searching: As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your ancestor's given name and surname, some identifying information such as residence, age, and family relationships. 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.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * The earliest probate packets are arranged in 3 series arranged alphabetically by surname. The more recent records are filed by date.
 * Probate records may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance.
 * 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 death date and estimated age to approximate a birth date.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * You may need to search using an alternate or nickname.
 * Check for variant spellings of the names.
 * Use the residence to search for other records in that location.
 * For more tips, go to FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Citing this Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

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