There can be more to a probate record than what is in the packet of papers–if there’s even a packet of papers at all. Many reports and acts of the court were transcribed into various journals and ledgers. Sometimes they contain more details, sometimes they don’t. But sometimes they are extant when the case files are not or are more legible than the originals in the case file. Make certain you have looked at everything. 
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This is fascinating, Michael, but can you give us a hint about where to look for these “various journals & ledgers.” Would these be in court houses, & how do we know when we have seen everything?
I have found items in the “Annual Returns” in the Office of the Clerk of the Court in the county courthouses in Georgia. In Alabama, these are located in the Probate Judge’s office. There are also Guardianship returns and Minutes of the Court as well.
Generally speaking the local courthouse would be the place to start to make certain you have “everything.” The amount of information can vary from one location to another, depending upon courthouse fires, what records were kept in the first place, etc. Most courts kept some ledgers and journals, not all will have the packet of papers–especially as research gets before 1850, particularly in the South. A local historical or genealogical society may be able to provide more detailed information as well if the courthouse staff are not too communicative. I’ll work on a longer post, put it on my Rootdig blog and link back to it here.
Ditto
Thanks