Invalid Will Recorded?

Even if your ancestor’s estate was intestate (without a valid will), the probate records could contain a copy of will that was refused probate by the court. While that will was unprobated, it still could provide good genealogical clues and reading it may tell you it was not allowed to go through probate.

If there was a separate court case over the will it may be filed with non-probate court records in the county where the estate was administrated.