‘It may seem strange that all men sailors should be tinkering at their last wills and testaments, but there are no people in the world more fond of that diversion.’
~ Herman Melville
Having discovered the poignant tale of my 4 x great grandfather, a master mariner who having died at sea left much in the way of administration for his bereft widow to untangle!
A Last Will and Testament or the lack of can reveal much about the lives of our ancestors including their social status, and family dynamics – particularly if one was excluded from benefitting under the terms of the final wishes of the deceased; or a small fortune is left to someone by way of land, gold or annuity who supposedly had no relationship with the dearly departed.
Although I undertake the location, research and transciption of probate records on the instructions of a client – I usually require a commission of a minimum of four (4) hours for the study of such records and which may include photographic images.
If I undertake the retrieval and research of probate records within an archive on the instructions of a client – I usually require a commission of a minimum of six (6) hours for the study of such records and which may include document transcription and photographic images.
As transcription of a Last Will and Testament may unearth new discoveries such as matters of business, legal proceedings or a twist in a family relationship – I am happy to write up a compilation which may further research for my client.
However, as every research commission is as unique as the person who is requesting it – our informal chat by way of my no-obligation initial consultation will ensure that my time without or within the archives is productive for both you and I.
