The index will give you the file number

1. Find or filter the data table for ‘Index’ for the location and year range you are looking for.
2. In the index, find the person’s name you are looking for.
3. Note the corresponding file number and all other information. Numbers may have different labels or formats.

If you don’t find the index, check the register which may contain an index to find the estate file number.

1. Find or filter the data table for ‘Files’ for the county and year range you are looking for.
2. In the record set, search by the file number to find the estate file. The will is part of the estate file.

If you don’t find the estate file, check the register using the year, file number, or register number found in the index.

Online through family search

• create a free FamilySearch account or log in.
• how to use the images in FamilySearch:
  There is no search bar for these records.
  • selecting the reel of microfilm will open a group of images in thumbnail view on FamilySearch. These images include multiple records and may include multiple record types.

• • look for the title page, which is often black. View the title of record section to confirm you are in the right place. One group of images may have multiple title pages indicating the start of a new set of records.
  • the title of record section should tell you if the files are organized numerically or alphabetically. In this example they are alphabetical from AND to AS.

• • look for the number of images on the top left of the screen. The number of images combined with the way the files are organized will give you a clue about how to look or search through the images.

• • open distinct looking images, for example file folders, to see the beginning of a new estate file.

Use the clues you’ve gathered, for example:

1. There are 579 images.
2. The files are organized alphabetically, from ‘AND’ to ‘AS,’ as indicated on the black title page.
3. For example, if you’re looking for ‘Anker’, you might start near the beginning of the records since they begin with ‘AND’. You could open image 20, which shows a file folder, to check the last name or estate file number.

Learn more about finding historical records on FamilySearch.

Contact us if you need more help.

If the file is available on microfilm:

1. Note the microfilm number and related information from the collections search.
2. Find the microfilm in our self-service cabinets in the reading room.
3. Load the microfilm into the microfilm reader.
   • Learn how to use microfilm readers.
4. Locate your file on the microfilm:
   • Files are listed either alphabetically or by estate file number, as indicated in the data table.
   • Scroll through the microfilm to find the person you are looking for.

If the file is not available on microfilm:

1. Note the name, courthouse location, year, estate file number, and record group (RG) number found in the data table.
2. Request to view the original in-person.

Visit a reference desk in the Reading Room if you need more help.

Record the name, courthouse location, year, estate file number, and record group (RG) number found in the data table.

Standard copies are only available if the file is not available online. You can order a certified copy of any record at an additional cost.

Use this information to order a reproduction of a will and estate file.

For years between 1859 and 1982 consult the Application to Probate Book to find out which courthouse the will was probated in.

To find out which towns or townships belonged to each county try an online search. Keep in mind that county boundaries have changed over time.

The year the will was probated is typically within two years of the person’s death, though sometimes it may be longer, in some cases decades.

If you are unsure, search a range of years and check death records or obituaries to confirm the death date.

Indexes provide file numbers, which you will need to locate the actual estate file or register.

Files contain the will (if available), probate application, affidavits, and other documents related to the estate.

Registers include the court-issued letters probate (confirming the validity of the will) or letters of administration (for intestate cases), along with copies of the will.

If you are unsure how to navigate these file types, follow the steps above for detailed instructions.

Look in the county’s index to find the file number.

Follow Step 1: Find the Index above for detailed instructions.