For the uninitiated, probate records can be a bit of a mystery. Where do you even begin looking? How can you access these records without having to pay an arm and a leg? Don’t fret! Whether you are researching your family’s history or trying to uncover a lost will, there are several free online resources available that can help you in your search. Let’s take a look at what is out there. Learn How to Find Probate Records Online Free?
How to Find Probate Records Online Free?
Ancestry Library Edition: Ancestry Library Edition offers access to billions of historical documents, including many probate records. You can use this resource to search for wills and other probate records from all 50 U.S. states and territories, dating back centuries in some cases. You must visit your local library to access Ancestry Library Edition if it is not offered through your public library system; however, many libraries offer free access either onsite or remotely with a valid library card number.
FamilySearch: FamilySearch is another great resource for probate records research as it offers access to millions of digitized documents from all over the world—including probate records from the United States and other countries. This resource is completely free and easily accessible online; however, some documents may need to be ordered through interlibrary loan if they are not already digitized.
National Archives Catalog: The National Archives has released its catalog online so that researchers have easy access to its extensive collection of military service, passenger arrival lists, naturalization papers, censuses, land grants and more—including some probate records. Unfortunately though, not all of the National Archive’s holdings have been digitized yet; so if you find something you are interested in on their site but it isn’t available digitally yet then you will need to order it through interlibrary loan or make an appointment with the National Archive itself (which may require payment).
Conclusion
Finding what you need in probate records can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult! With Ancestry Library Edition, FamilySearch and the National Archives Catalog all offering useful resources for no cost whatsoever, researching your family’s history or tracking down lost wills doesn’t have to break the bank! All that being said though; before you dive into any of these websites be sure that you know exactly what type of document you are looking for as well as when and where it was created so that your searches will yield more accurate results! Good luck.