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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: gingernutter on Sunday 20 January 13 12:15 GMT (UK)
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Hi all,
I have just rejoined Ancestry and wow how things have changed. Found so many more great archives to access, which brings me to the National Probate Calendar. I have found entries for a number of people in my tree but i am not sure about the wording used.
I read some where that if it states 'Administration' then the person died without a Will and its the relatives applying to be able to divide up the estate - presumably it must have been of some worth, is that correct?
If it states for example..John Brown died 22.8.1936 Probate 22.9.1936 London to Samuel Brown retired sales executive...does this mean the copy of Probate is to be found in London and the sole beneficiary was Samuel Brown or could Samuel Brown be the executor of the Will?
Also if it were to state...John Brown died 22.8.1936 Confirmation of Samuel Brown retired sales executive. Sealed London 22.9.1938.....what does 'confirmation' and 'sealed' mean?
I believe you can order the actual Will for about £5? Does anyone have the link for that please?
Many thanks in advance
Elaine :)
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hi Elaine, if you go to the help pages on ancestry & click on probate records you will find more info incl the link to order wills.
Diddy
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Thanks for that Diddy
That gives a good explanation of the records and how to order copies of a Will. It also explains about the term 'Administration' and that the figure quoted is the total amount of the person's estate. That those named are the Executors therefore not necessarily the main benefactors as i did wonder as they did not appear to be family!
Doesn't however explain what 'closed' means...any ideas?
Elaine :)
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Confirmations are Scottish Wills.
Resealing: The Grant of Probate is sealed for use in the country in which it was issued. If an Estate has assets located in another jurisdiction, the local Court or equivalent office can make an order confirming that the Grant is valid for use in their jurisdiction and this is called a reseal.
Scotland is considered a jurisdiction outside of England & Wales.
Dawn
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This is the link for the probate office in order to get a copy.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/family-history
I never use links from Ancestry to get copies of things as the cost is usually higher than going directly to the government department.
Quite often estates are of little monetary value but insurance companies, savings banks etc insist on the grant of letters of Administration before releasing funds. These days most banks do have a minimum limit of funds before requiring a grant.
Slightly related issue, where there is a will, and the estate is straightforward e.g cash in bank accounts and premium bonds, to apply for probate on your own behalf without necessarily using a solicitor. I wouldn't recommend it if there is property though!
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The advice on the Ancestry page is to order the will directly from the Probate registry as there isn't a facility for them to do it. So in this case, no money to be saved.
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Thanks alot Dawn for clarifying the Probate terminology and process for me. I think will make certain Wills worth ordering as they may give more information regards my Scots and English ancestors.
Elaine