Kentucky Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index of probate records from 1727 to 1990, created in Kentucky county courts. Probate records include wills, bonds, inventories of estates and other records. Some probate records were recorded in books which may have carried many titles, such as: • 2

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: Probate records may include: petitions, inventories, accounts, decrees, and other court documents.
 * Name of testator or deceased
 * Names of heirs such as spouse, children, and other relatives or friends
 * Name of executor, administrator, or guardian
 * Names of witnesses
 * Residence of testator
 * Document and recording dates (Used to approximate event dates i.e. A will was usually written near time of death)

Sample Image
Each county began keeping probate records from the time the county was created. Wills are often placed or transcribed into a bound volume.

Coverage Table
As of February 2015 the following records have been indexed.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the deceased
 * The approximate date of death
 * The approximate date of probate
 * The place where your ancestor lived
 * The names of family members or associates who may be named in the probate record

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s probate record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use probate records to identify heirs and relatives
 * You may be able to use the probate record to learn about adoptions or guardianship of any minor children and dependents
 * Use the document (such as the will) or the recording dates to approximate a death date
 * Use the information in the probate record to substitute for civil birth and death records, since the probates exist for an earlier time period
 * Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records
 * Use the occupations listed to find other types of records such as employment or military records
 * Probate record may include information about land transactions

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Check for a different index. There are often indexes at the beginning of each volume
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Kentucky.
 * Beginning Research in United States Probate Records
 * Kentucky Guided Research
 * Kentucky Record Finder
 * Kentucky Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Kentucky Research, 1880-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Kentucky Deaths and Burials, 1843-1970
 * Kentucky Death Records, 1911-1967

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.