Today probate means "all matters coming under the jurisdiction of probate courts." The probate process generates either testate records (associated with wills) or intestate records (where there is no will). Probate records and estate settlements have the potential of providing the details needed to document a lineage and provide the testator's relationship to others. They may include administrations, bonds, guardianships, miscellaneous court dockets, minutes, etc.

TERMINOLOGY FOR TESTATE PROCEDURES

Wills. These are signed by the __________ and __________. If the testator was illiterate, sick or unable to __________ his or her name, the signature may be a __________.

Executor. __________ by the person writing the will to act in his/her behalf.

Nuncupative. An __________ will relating the decedent's wishes as to the disposition of real and/or personal property and reported on by witnesses.

Administrator. When the appointed executor refuses to serve or dies before the __________, the court appoints an administrator to settle the estate and distribute its assets, and the appointment is appended to the will.

Witnesses. Use the following words in the proper order to accurately provide a definition of the role of a witness: friends, copied, relatives, competence, valid.

Witnesses were required to verify the will, indicate it is __________, and swear to the __________ of the testator by a deposition. They are often __________ or close __________ of the family and their names should always be __________.

Codicils. __________, such as a birth, marriage or death of a child in the will, which are attached to the will which change the will's __________ of property.

Caveat. A __________ __________ directing a __________ to an action until an individual is heard.