The word infant is often used in legal documents. When it is used in legal documents (court records, land records, probate records, etc.) is is being used in the legal sense–someone under the age of majority. This historically has been twenty-one years of age, but US states typically now end the legal definition of infancy at eighteen. Readers who have questions about use of the word at a certain point in time should search contemporary state statute. The key to remember is that someone referred to as an infant in a legal document can easily be sixteen years old. ————————- Genealogy Tip of the Day is sponsored by GenealogyBank––check out their latest offer for our readers–an annual rate of less than $5 a month.
Not all websites are created equally. Consider reading more than one “how-to” blog or site in order to get a different research perspective. The site author may have experience in a limited area and not realize that their experiences can’t be extrapolated to other locations. Or it’s possible that their instructions simply are not phrased clearly. And it never hurts to get advice from more than one person. ————————- Genealogy Tip of the Day is sponsored by GenealogyBank––check out their latest offer for our readers–an annual rate of less than $5 a month.
Estate settlements should be checked for more than wills and an inventory of property. Other papers may provide additional information as well. Accountings of amounts paid to heirs can help to determine relationships and, if payments extended for some time, may mention additional heirs born as the estate was being settled.
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