Frederick William LEE died 1.5.1903 searching for Will

[CassT]

Hi, Frederick William LEE died 1 May 1903, his body was found in Green Park Darlinghurst, NSW, there are numerous articles in Trove regarding his death.

I have a copy of his death certificate and have visited his grave at Rookwood and have found all details of his parents and siblings.

To complete the Branch of my tree I would like to obtain a copy of his Will.

Yesterday I found this on TROVE. (Edward John Lee was Frederick's brother)

I have searched NSW archives with no luck in finding information regarding Frederick's will, also nothing on Ancestry.

Does anybody have any suggestions

Regards
Cass
 

[judb]

Can't see any record of the will either.  Google suggests the following avenues for searching.

To find a New South Wales (NSW) will from 1903, you should look for Probate Packets (NRS 13660) held at the Museums of History NSW (formerly State Records Authority of NSW), as wills from this period are generally considered public records.
NSW Government
NSW Government
 +1
Here is how to locate them:
1. Online Search (Recommended)
Findmypast (NSW Will Books 1800-1952): This subscription site contains copies of wills and is the easiest way to search for documents from 1903.
Ancestry (NSW, Index to Deceased Estate Files, 1859-1958): Use this to find the probate file number, which will help you locate the original document.
State Archives Collection Search: You can search the online catalogue on the Museums of History NSW website to find the item number.
NSW Government
NSW Government
 +2
2. Physical Records (In-Person)
Museums of History NSW (Reading Room): Located at Kingswood, you can view the original Probate Packets (Series 4, which covers c.1890–1976).
NSW Probate Index (1800–1985): Available on microfiche in the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room.
NSW Government
NSW Government
 +3
3. Alternative Sources
NSW Trustee and Guardian: They may hold the original will if it was not deposited with the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court of NSW: If probate was granted, the Will and associated documents (Probate Packet) are stored at the State Archives.
Newspapers: Check Trove (National Library of Australia) for funeral notices or notices regarding the application for probate, which can provide dates and details.
Supreme Court of NSW
Supreme Court of NSW

However, I'm not seeing the will indexed anywhere.
There is a webinar which may help.
https://mhnsw.au/webinars/probate/

There's also an "Ask an Archivist" service.
https://mhnsw.au/collections/state-archives-collection/ask-an-archivist/

Good luck with it, Judith

[CassT]

Hi Judith thank you for your reply.
I also found and followed  Mr Google suggestions, concerning the online indexes with no luck . Its a real mystery.

Looks like I may have to ask the Archivist. Will leave it for a week or so in case a fellow Roots chatter has any other suggestions

regards
Cass

[judb]

Very odd, I agree.

Will be interested to hear how you get on.

Judith