Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
😬 No will? No problem—seriously.
If your ancestor died intestate (without a will), you might assume there’s nothing left to find. But probate dispersal records can actually reveal even more about the family!
In this episode, I walk you through a real case using FamilySearch probate records—where one woman with no children or spouse left behind a paper trail of 4 sisters, 6 nieces and nephews, and clues to yet another estate.
👉 Learn how to:
* Understand intestate probate records
* Identify heirs, even when they aren’t named in a will
* Follow the legal breadcrumb trail to build out your family tree
Watch now and unlock the secrets hiding in the records you might be skipping.
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CONTINUE LEARNING
📺 Probate Records For Genealogy: Basics to Know Before You Research - youtu.be/owDR3KVVGNY
📺 How to Find Your Ancestor's Wills and Probate Files Online - youtu.be/9D0Krw4USOI
📺 Follow These Tips to Find Your Ancestors in Probate Records - Interview with Randy Seaver - youtu.be/Lf8oC9O-o6I
📺 Use Probate Records to Research Genealogy Brick Walls youtu.be/jaupN5kGIA0
↪️ Grab your FREE genealogy research guides and templates at familyhistoryfanatics.com/resources
⚡ Want to grow your family tree faster? Join our membership program.
youtube.com/channel/UCmkKepHoafldMRZ4UNt0Akw/join
📗 Like to read? Check out these books
familyhistoryfanatics.com/books
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:23 What Happens When There's No Will?
03:45 Using Probate Records to Find Family Clues
06:12 Case Study: Mrs. Jerusha Abbot's Family Mystery
09:05 Key Probate Terms You Need to Know
12:17 How to Research Intestate Estates Like a Pro
15:30 Final Tips for Finding Hidden Relatives
----------------
✅ Let's connect:
✔️ Subscribe for more genealogy tips: tinyurl.com/FHFanaticsYouTube
✔️ Website: familyhistoryfanatics.com
✔️ Share Video Ideas: familyhistoryfanatics.com/contact
#FamilyHistoryFanatics #genealogy #probateresearch
😬 No will? No problem—seriously.
If your ancestor died intestate (without a will), you might assume there’s nothing left to find. But probate dispersal records can actually reveal even more about the family!
In this episode, I walk you through a real case using FamilySearch probate records—where one woman with no children or spouse left behind a paper trail of 4 sisters, 6 nieces and nephews, and clues to yet another estate.
👉 Learn how to:
* Understand intestate probate records
* Identify heirs, even when they aren’t named in a will
* Follow the legal breadcrumb trail to build out your family tree
Watch now and unlock the secrets hiding in the records you might be skipping.
----------------
CONTINUE LEARNING
📺 Probate Records For Genealogy: Basics to Know Before You Research - youtu.be/owDR3KVVGNY
📺 How to Find Your Ancestor's Wills and Probate Files Online - youtu.be/9D0Krw4USOI
📺 Follow These Tips to Find Your Ancestors in Probate Records - Interview with Randy Seaver - youtu.be/Lf8oC9O-o6I
📺 Use Probate Records to Research Genealogy Brick Walls youtu.be/jaupN5kGIA0
↪️ Grab your FREE genealogy research guides and templates at familyhistoryfanatics.com/resources
⚡ Want to grow your family tree faster? Join our membership program.
youtube.com/channel/UCmkKepHoafldMRZ4UNt0Akw/join
📗 Like to read? Check out these books
familyhistoryfanatics.com/books
----------------
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:23 What Happens When There's No Will?
03:45 Using Probate Records to Find Family Clues
06:12 Case Study: Mrs. Jerusha Abbot's Family Mystery
09:05 Key Probate Terms You Need to Know
12:17 How to Research Intestate Estates Like a Pro
15:30 Final Tips for Finding Hidden Relatives
----------------
✅ Let's connect:
✔️ Subscribe for more genealogy tips: tinyurl.com/FHFanaticsYouTube
✔️ Website: familyhistoryfanatics.com
✔️ Share Video Ideas: familyhistoryfanatics.com/contact
#FamilyHistoryFanatics #genealogy #probateresearch
