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Course image Scottish: Wills and Testaments
Basic Scottish Records
SC-102: Scottish: Wills and Testaments
Course Summary:

Optional Course Print Material: Scottish: Wills and Testaments

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Wills are one of the most valuable sources for 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 Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Glossary
What are Wills and Testaments?
Historical Background

MODULE 2
LEGISLATING RELATING TO TESTAMENTS AND MOVEABLES
Wills and Testaments
Heritable & Moveable Property
Domicile
Legislation Affecting Wills
Legal Rights
19th and 20th Century Legislation
Who Could Inherit?

MODULE 3
THE COURTS & HOW TO FIND THE RECORDS
The Courts
How To Find The Records
Indexes 1801-1823
Testaments 1823-1875
Testaments 1876-1901
ScotlandsPeople
20th Century Testaments

MODULE 4
PROCEDURES FOR CONFIRMING A TESTAMENT
Procedures for Confirming a Testament
Procedure for Confirmation of an Executor
Eiks to Confirmations

MODULE 5
TYPES OF TESTAMENTS & CONTENTS OF TESTAMENTS
Types of Testaments
Elements of a Testament

MODULE 6
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
Websites
English Wills
Death Duties
Great Western Railway Shareholders Index
Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Wills
Unclaimed Estates (Money Left In Chancery)
Help With Handwriting
Help With Unfamiliar Terms
Why Can’t I Find a Will or Testament for My Ancestor?