Denmark, Probate Indexes - FamilySearch Historical Records

Denmark



Title in the Language of the Record
Danmark, Skifteprotokoller Registre

Record Description
This collection is an index to probates for the counties of Denmark. This index is not complete for all counties. This index was created by volunteers at the Family History Library who extracted the data from microfilm onto an index card. These cards were then microfilmed and years later were scanned and the index data transcribed by a volunteer workforce.

Some completed cards were not microfilmed. These were transcribed by another group of volunteers using the Family History Department's Universal Data Entry (UDE) software so no images were available. Several years later the National Archives of Denmark gave FamilySearch permission to display images from the films they had acquired. As there were no images of the index cards available the decision was made to link the index to the original probate record rather than the index card.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in the probate indexes may include the following information:


 * Full name of deceased
 * Name of estate
 * Name of parish
 * Spouse's given name
 * Spouse's surname
 * Last residence of deceased
 * Date of probate record
 * Names of children/cousins/various family members.

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Name of deceased
 * Identifying information such as residence and death date

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about those in the list to what you already know about your own ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person.

If you did not find the person you were looking for, you may need to search the collection image by image. ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate "County (Amt)" ⇒Select the appropriate "District (Herred)" ⇒Select the appropriate "Parish (Sogn)" ⇒Select the appropriate "Estate (Gods)" which takes you to the images.

Look at each image. Again you will need to compare the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor.

Be aware that with either search you may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections, see the wiki article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.
 * Search the original probate records.

Language Help
These records are in Danish. For help reading the records see the wiki articles:


 * Danish Word List
 * Denmark Language and Languages

Related Websites
National Archives of Denmark

Related Wiki Articles
Denmark

Citing This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry): Image Citation