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Question about probate records

Question about probate records

Posted: 12 Sep 2014 1:11PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi

I couldn't spot this answered elsewhere...

If someone died in London in 1914 and there is no probate record listed, is it possible to draw any conclusions from that? For example, does that mean they died without leaving a will or perhaps that the value of their estate was very small?

Many thanks in advance for any advice!

Dave

Re: Question about probate records

Posted: 12 Sep 2014 5:36PM GMT
Classification: Query
The existence, or otherwise, of a will is not relevant. The Probate Calendars include grants of administration - the legal process required to deal with the estate of an intestate next of kin. What did (and still does) matter is the nature and value of the estate. If a person left only a small amount of cash and personal effects of limited value, there would have been no need for probate, irrespective of whether they made a will. Most of the factors that now trigger probate (property ownership, money in bank accounts, share ownership, pensions etc) were reserved for the middle classes and upwards until later in the 20th century.
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