Posts in March 8, 2026

Even if your ancestor’s estate was intestate (meaning that your relative died without a valid will), the probate records could contain a copy of a 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. There may be references in the probate case file or court records as to why the will was refused probate. That information can be telling as well as sometimes family drama is the underlying cause of the challenge to the will. 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.