What are probate files? Can I get a copy of a probate file?
Probate/estate files include the proceedings of all business relating to either the proving of a will, in cases where there was one, or to the ultimate settling of an estate in instances where the individual died intestate (without leaving a valid will). A typical file might contain: copy of the will, death certificate, inventory of belongings, claims from creditors and general family and financial information. Historic probates were filed either in the Supreme Court or the County Court, depending on the value of the estate. The BC Archives does not have all the probate files for the province. See the Probate Case Files Research Guide for more information. If you need to have staff search for a probate file for you, you must make your request in writing. You need to provide the name of the deceased, the date of death and the name of the court registry that processed the probate (usually the court registry closest to the community where the person lived).
Probate/estate files include the proceedings of all business relating to either the proving of a will, in cases where there was one, or to the ultimate settling of an estate in instances where the individual died intestate (without leaving a valid will). A typical file might contain: copy of the will, death certificate, inventory of belongings, claims from creditors and general family and financial information. Historic probates were filed either in the Supreme Court or the County Court, depending on the value of the estate. The BC Archives does not have all the probate files for the province. See the Probate Case Files Research Guide for more information. If you need to have staff search for a probate file for you, you must make your request in writing. You need to provide the name of the deceased, the date of death and the name of the court registry that processed the probate (usually the court registry closest to the community where the person lived). Please keep in mind that we cha
