Courthouse

Holes in History: Courthouse Catastrophes

Major, record-destroying fires have likely impacted your ancestry search. We’ll help you raise your family tree from the ashes of these disasters. In this section of our 4 part series, we're discussing courthouse fires.

Genealogy Research in “Burned Counties”

Courthouse fires and other record-destroying disasters can create big research brick walls. Use our five-step plan to rebuild your family tree from the archival ashes.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Ancestor’s Court Records

Every detail in your ancestor's court records can provide a lead to another genealogy resource. Our example shows you how this can work.

A Guide to Genealogy Research in Courthouse Records

The county courthouse can be both a fortress of confusion and a gold mine of genealogy. Arm yourself with knowledge—and a plan of attack—to win your research battles.

Good Will Hunting

Follow these steps to find your ancestors' wills.

Court Orders

Put your ancestors on the stand with our supreme guide to courthouse records.

familyTreeImage

free family tree chart

Sign up for our free newsletter and receive a free, decorative family tree PDF

Probing Into Probate

Your ancestors bequeathed you a genealogical windfall in their wills and probate records. Follow these six steps to claim your inheritance.

Sample Record Request Letters

Use our templates to make requests for records.

Learning Legal Lingo

Here's a glossary of terms you'll frequently encounter in your ancestors' court records.

Now What? Burning Question

Resurrecting records from a "burned county."

Rushing to Judgment: Court Records

Get genealogical justice by using these tools to find ancestral wills, probates, legal cases and other court documents.

Inside Sources: Letter of the Law

Pointers and a sample letter for writing to the courthouse for ancestral records.