If you’ve ever found a will while researching your family tree, you know just how powerful that document can be. Many wills from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries have been digitized in historical databases and national archives, making them easier to find online than you might think. A single page can confirm relationships, reveal unknown relatives, name property or heirlooms, and offer a peek into the emotions and priorities of a person’s final days.
When my uncle discovered our Austrian ancestor’s will, it was filled with information – his children, a goddaughter we’d never heard of, and a small parcel of land we had no idea existed. It also used phrases of his era that honestly revealed more about his values than any census ever could. That’s because wills aren’t just legal paperwork – they’re personal documents of values that hold emotional weight, and are often full of surprises.
» Explore how wills and probate records can illuminate your ancestors’ lives in 8 Types of Historical Documents You Can Use to Find Ancestors
Why Wills Are Genealogical Gold
Before exploring where to find wills online (which is likely the most effective starting point), it is helpful to understand why wills are so valuable for family history research. The most basic and essential reason is that wills go beyond dates and locations – they tell stories of the people who wrote them. In historical wills, you can find:
- Names of spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings, and sometimes in-laws
- Clues about property, including land, businesses, or household items
- Social status and economic background – based on what was owned or handed down
- Relationships and some family drama (like divorces) can be discerned by who was included, and sometimes more telling, who was left out
- Burial wishes, guardianship designations, or special bequests that can reveal insights about the decedent’s values
Unlike many official records, a will is often written in the person’s own voice or dictated directly. That alone makes it a uniquely personal historical record.
Where to Find Wills Online
As mentioned, many wills from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries have been digitized, and finding them online is easier than you might think – if you know where to look.
Historical Records
A historical record database like MyHeritage is a great place to start. From here, you filter for: “Court Records”, “Wills and Probate”, and “Notarial Records” (especially in Latin American and European databases). These databases can include collections from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and select countries in Europe and South America.
National Archives and Probate Registries
National archives and probate registries will vary more by location than a centralized database. For example, in the UK, the UK government’s probate search site offers wills from 1858 onward. Conversely, the U.S. houses state-level archives (and county courthouses), which often house probate files. And finally, notarial records in Europe and Latin America are often stored in national or provincial archives, and may require searching by town or district.
Tips for Interpreting, Finding, and Using Wills
It’s important to keep in mind that many older wills are part of larger probate packets, which may include inventories, debts, and even disputes. These can be goldmines, but before you dive into a scanned will, remember that:
- Handwriting can be tough to read, especially in earlier documents. Take your time and look for names and keywords first.
- Witnesses and executors are very often family members or close friends.
- Timelines are vital. A will may have been written years before the person’s death, so compare the probate date to other records.
Like most historical documents, it’s essential to realize that wills are one piece of the puzzle and not everyone has access to this particular piece. Even if a will doesn’t exist, there may be other legal breadcrumbs that help you piece together the family story. That said, if you’re having trouble finding wills:
- Search for letters of administration (used when no will exists)
- Check local newspaper probate notices
- Explore tax or land transfer records which may reference estate settlements
Wills Bring Ancestors to Life in Their Own Words
Wills can be an exciting discovery because they feel like a direct line to your ancestor’s values. You see a bit of what meant something to them in their lifetime. Whether words, priorities, and decisions, wills can reveal who they really were as people.
Even if the trail isn’t easy, take the time to dig. That signature at the bottom of the page might be the closest you ever come to shaking your ancestor’s hand.
» Learn how to access probate records and wills in Death Records Investigation: How to View Death Certificates Online
The post How to Find Wills Online, and Why They’re So Valuable appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Source: My Heritage