How do I uncover wills/probates?

[SiCallear]

Hi,

I have seen people quoting information about peoples wills/probates (how much Money and to whom). Where/how can I search for this type of information for my ancestor?

I am just starting a new branch of my tree so the people I initially plan to research died between 1880-1931 (not sure if that affects how/where I need to search?

[bevj]

Have you seen this site for a starter?
https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills

Bev

[groom]

Here is the main site

https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/#wills


The earlier ones give more information. The later ones just tell you if there was a will and then you can buy that if you want to.

You can also find some on Ancestry.

Sorry Bev, didn't see your post

[goldie61]

ancestry have the National Probate Calendar 1858 - 1966
http://search.ancestry.co.nz/search/db.aspx?dbid=1904

[SiCallear]

Wow - the probate search site is great - very interesting.

What is the difference between this and what Ancestory offer?

[groom]

None, you end up with the same results, it is just easier to find the details on Ancestry as you can narrow it down more.

If you apply for a will make sures it say Probate, not a letter of Administration. The later means there was no will.

[SiCallear]

Are all wills recorded on here? Looking for a record for my great-great-grandad Ralph Fynney Johnson (died 1913) but drawn a blank.

Tried other ancestors and got results (so not a case of user error!)

[groom]

Perhaps he didn't leave one, I have several relatives who didn't. Try the following couple of years as probate wasn't always applied for straight away.

I can't see it on Ancestry either.

[jorose]

There are various cases where you don't have to apply for a probate/administration.  For example, if the value of the estate is low (this is still the case today, although the threshold is obviously higher given inflation!).

If he owned property, or something of that sort, there should be some record, whether there was a will or not (but as previously stated, if it says "administration" there is no point in ordering the file).