Genealogy Chat

My gf died without leaving a will. I can remember my gran saying that she 'had to go to Probate'. Does anyone know what she might have meant by this, and where might I find the records? He died in 1963 in Bristol. Lisa

Lisa I havn't a clue but these people might Bristol Record Office 01179 225692 Kath x

If he didn't leave a will, then it couldn't exactly go to probate because probate means 'proving' a will, but what she probably meant was 'going to administration', i.e. she was granted the power to administer his estate. If you can post up the details or send me a message with them quickly (cos I'm going out in a minute), I can look it up at the records office later on today and give you the details of the entry in the National Probate Calendar. Kate.

Hi Lisa, There is a probate office in Bristol, so it may be an idea to contact them - they will probably be able to advise you. Just google 'Probate offices' and scroll down the list until you find Bristol. It gives phone number and both postal and e-mail address. regards, Jay

Lisa I worked for a Lawyer in this field and if you Grandfather died without leaving a Will then he died in what they call 'Intestate'. If that's the case then it would not have gone to Probate it would have gone to the 'Solicitior General's' office (if I remember right, it has been 17 years). The Solicitor General would have decided how your Grandfather's estate would have been distributed, but more than likely everything would have gone to your Grandmother anyway. HTH Joy

If someone dies intestate (without leaving a will) and they have a substantial estate, bank balances property etc, then the person who will be dealing with the estate needs to apply for Letters of Administration through the Probate office appointing themselves as the administrator/executor giving them the authority to deal with the estate. I presume is was the same in 1963? I have recently applied for my great grandmother's 1946 probate and will from Her Majesty's Courts Service (hmcs) in York. Details how to apply and the application form is on the National Archives website. It costs £5 for a search of the records for a four year period after the death, as usually most estates are settled within this timescale, although additional four year search periods can be purchased for a small cost. If you do get a copy of his probate, it won't give you much more information than you already know. It gives you the date of death and the names and addresses of the executors, together with the gross value of the estate. Hope this helps. Rachel

Lisa - if you are still there! Yes, you could pay your £5 for the search and get a copy of the letter granting administration, but if you give me the details to look up now I can send you the information from the National Probate Calendar entry which may tell you most of it anyway (though now I come to think of it, the 1960's entries aren't as informative as the earlier ones). In any case, I would be able to give you the date of the entry, which will ensure that the York office will be able to find it if you do order a copy. Kate.

Hi everyone Kate I am sorry I left the message before leaving for work and have only just been able to check for replies - apologies. thank you for your kind offer though Lisa

Kate if you are still able (and if you are not please don't worry - my own fault for not checking sooner!) His name was Edward H H James, born 1905, died 1963 in one of the Bristol hospitals (either General or Royal Infirmary) Widow was Irene Eliza James Lisa

Lisa - if you can hang on till next week, I can go and look then. I'm afraid it's too late to go today now. Kate.

Kate that would be wonderful,thank you so much. If you need any more info please let me know Many many thanks Lisa