Wills are one of the most valuable sources genealogists because they usually mention several family members, even from collateral branches of the family. They are often the easiest means of extending a family tree before the introduction of Statutory Registration in Scotland.
This course will examine Scottish Confirmations and Inventories (the equivalent of English Wills and Admons) in detail. It will cover the legislation defining what could be willed at various periods and the courts which had jurisdiction.
Course Content
Module 1
Introduction
Glossary
What are Wills and Testaments?
What do they contain?
Will a testament tell me if my ancestor owned land and buildings?
Who left testaments?
Are wills and testaments difficult to read?
Health Warning
Historical Background
The Pre-Reformation Courts
The Reformation
The Commissary Courts
Module 2
Legislating Relating to Testaments and Moveables
Websites
Wills and Testaments
Tutors, Pupils and Curators
Heritable & Moveable Property
Domicile
Legislation Affecting Wills
Medieval Roots
Post-Reformation Legislation
Legal Rights
Illegitimacy
Jus Mariti
Legal Rights
19th and 20th Century Legislation
Who Could Inherit?
Intestate Succession to Heritable Property
Intestate Succession to Moveable Property
Module 3
The Courts & How to Find the Records
Websites
The Courts
Commissary Courts
Commissary Court Records
Sheriff Courts
Historical Background
Commissary Business
Sheriff Court Records
How To Find The Records
Wills and Confirmations Before 1823
Example
Indexes 1801-1823
Testaments 1823-1875
Testaments 1876-1901
ScotlandsPeople
20th Century Testaments
Module 4
Procedures for Confirming a Testament
Websites
Procedures for Confirming a Testament
Inventory
Procedure for Confirmation of an Executor
Who could act as an Executor?
The Oath
Caution
Eiks to Confirmations
Module 5
Tyoes of Testaments & Contents of Testaments
Types of Testaments
Nomination of Executors
Last Will and Testament
General Disposition and Settlement
Trust Disposition and Settlement
Codicil
Elements of a Testament
Introductory Clause
Inventory
Debts Due and Owing
Oath
Will
Confirmation
Module 6
Additional Sources
Websites
English Wills
English Wills Before 1858
English Wills After 1858
Death Duties
Taxes Payable by Beneficiaries of the Estate
Taxes Payable by the Executors of an Estate
Great Western Railway Shareholders Index
Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Wills
Searching and Viewing the Wills
Unclaimed Estates (Money Left In Chancery)
Help With Handwriting
Help With Unfamiliar Terms
Help With Legal Terms
Help With the Scots Language
Help With Latin
Why Can’t I Find a Will or Testament for My Ancestor?
Bibliography & Further Reading
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