Probate, Estates & Guardianship
Wills, administrations, inventories, and guardian bonds that name heirs and property.
Estates name heirs, relationships, property, and sometimes enslaved persons. Guardian and apprenticeship records identify minors. Many NC estate papers are at the State Archives as well as (or instead of) local offices for early periods.
- Search both testate (wills) and intestate (administrations) paths.
- Read inventories and sales—buyers are often relatives and neighbors.
- Watch for multi-county estates when land straddled new boundaries.