Wills and probate records in France, where they are known as testaments and successions, are valuable genealogical sources, though access can vary due to privacy laws. French inheritance law follows the Napoleonic Code, which mandates equal division among heirs, so wills often serve to clarify bequests or appoint guardians. Notarial records (minutes notariales) include wills, estate inventories, and other succession-related documents, many held in Departmental Archives. Since notaries maintained meticulous records, these documents can reveal relationships, occupations, and property details. While records before 100 years ago are generally accessible, locating them requires knowledge of the notary's name or residence of the deceased. These rich records provide essential insights into familial structures, wealth distribution, and life stories, making them a cornerstone of genealogical research in France.
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Government, Land, Court & Wills
Wills & Probates
- France, Tables of Successions and Absences, 1890-1970 26,398,683 records
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