Use the listings below to identify the reel of microfilm that contains the information that you need. You may then:
Consult the appropriate reel at our reading room 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M7A 2C5
or
or
The Indexes are organized by surname initial, then by the date that the deceased's estate was dispersed. Most indexes will provide the number of the deceased's estate file. However, some indexes will only list the register and page number where the estate file number is recorded (in these cases, you must next order the appropriate register for the date when the deceased's estate was probated).
In the table below, determine the reel of microfilm that you need and note the Microfilm Reference code. Please note that many estates were not dispersed until the spouse had died. Once you have the microfilm, search for the name alphabetically, then record the estate file number. From the surname/page indexes, (Item 3 on MS 887 Reel 71), look up the page cited and note the File Number given to the far RIGHT of the name.
Go to Estate Files to determine what microfilm to order to see the estate file.
Indexes | Year(s) | Archives of Ontario Microfilm Reference Number |
---|---|---|
Index | 1895-1941 | MS 887, Reel 71 |
Estate files contain all the documents needed to grant Letters Probate or Letters of Administration, including the petition for probate or administration, the original signed Will, oaths of executors or administrators, tally of assets, and related evidence.
In the table below, identify the microfilm which covers the time period and estate file number relevant to your search. Use the indexes to determine the estate file number. Order the appropriate microfilm, citing the Microfilm Reference code. Once you have the microfilm, look for the estate file number, which usually appears at the beginning of each file on the docket wrapper, and may appear elsewhere throughout the file.
Estate Files | Year(s) | Archives of Ontario Microfilm Reference Number |
---|---|---|
1-133 (56-71 missing) | 1895-1903 | MS 887, Reel 72 |
134-259 | 1903-1907 | MS 887, Reel 1485 |
260-384 | 1907-1909 | MS 887, Reel 1486 |
385-514 | 1909-1911 | MS 887, Reel 1487 |
515-646 | 1911-1913 | MS 887, Reel 1488 |
647-782 | 1913-1917 | MS 887, Reel 1489 |
783-922 | 1917-1919 | MS 887, Reel 1490 |
923-983 | 1919-1920 | MS 887, Reel 1491 |
984-1001 2-116 |
1920-1922 | MS 887, Reel 1492 |
117-249 (also, Blay, William, unnumbered) | 1922-1924 | MS 887, Reel 1493 |
250-389 (298 missing) | 1924-1927 | MS 887, Reel 1494 |
390-510 | 1927-1929 | MS 887, Reel 1495 |
511-636 (539 missing) | 1929-1930 | MS 887, Reel 1496 |
Estate Files processed between 1931 and 1970 are with the Archives of Ontario; they have not yet been microfilmed. To order a copy of all or part of an estate file please contact us with: the estate file number; year; name of county/district; and name of the deceased. Please include: your name; address; telephone number; and a brief description of what documents you would like copied (eg. the entire file, only the will, etc.). Also, please indicate if you need the copies to be certified.
Archives of Ontario
134 Ian Macdonald Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2C5
reference@ontario.ca
For details on photocopy charges, please see our Customer Service Guide 105: Reproduction Services and Fees - Word, PDF .
The estate files processed after 1970 have not yet been transferred to the Archives of Ontario. You must contact the courthouse listed below which originally dealt with that court matter.
Superior Court of Justice - Estates Division
360 Plouffe Street
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 9L5
705-495-8309