Probate Court Records – LA & Michigan probate docket search

Probate court records serve as the official gateway to estate administration in both Los Angeles Superior Court and Oakland County Probate Court, capturing every filing from the initial petition to the final judgment. Researchers can uncover probate case filings, retrieve probate estate documents, and trace probate property deeds that reveal asset distribution across California and Michigan. The public interface aggregates probate docket search results, offering instant visibility into probate filing history, probate case number lookup, and probate death certificate access. Users benefit from a centralized probate court archive that stores probate executor filings, letters testamentary, and probate trust documents alongside court minutes and judgment copies. Whether an heir seeks probate inheritance records or an attorney reviews probate court minutes, the database delivers authenticated copies of probate record retrievals while respecting privacy rules. By indexing probate record fees and maintaining a probate calendar, the system streamlines the probate case status check and simplifies the probate public records request experience.

probatecourtrecords empower individuals to conduct precise probate docket entries searches, whether they enter a decedent name, a specific filing date, or a unique probate case number. The online portal supports probate case summary download, probate court judgment copies, and probate court minutes retrieval without the need for in‑person visits. By leveraging the probate court online portal, users can pull probate filing history, request probate record request forms, and settle any required probate record indexing fees. The system also grants access to probate trust documents, probate will probate files, and probate inheritance records that clarify beneficiary allocations. For complex estates, the platform delivers probate executor filings, probate public records, and probate court transcripts that aid in confirming asset values. Moreover, the searchable probate court database includes probate property deeds, probate death certificate access, and probate case status check tools that keep stakeholders informed about upcoming probate court dates and deadlines promptly.

How to Search probatecourtrecords

You can search probatecourtrecords through the official online portals maintained by Los Angeles Superior Court and Oakland County Probate Court. These platforms give you direct access to case filings, dockets, and estate documents filed in California and Michigan. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official traffic records resources. The lookup process supports searches by decedent name, case number, filing date, and case type for precise results. Each search returns matching dockets along with current case status and related filing history.

Official Search Portal: https://www.lacourt.org/

Steps to Search

1. Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court or Oakland County Probate Court website.
2. Locate the online services or case search section on the homepage.
3. Select the probate case search option from the menu.
4. Enter the decedent name, case number, filing date, or case type into the search field.
5. Review the results list showing matching dockets and case details.
6. Click the case number link to view filings, orders, and estate documents.
7. Download or order certified copies of needed documents through the request portal.

Search by Decedent Name

Searching by decedent name remains the most common starting point for users checking probatecourtrecords. You can enter the full legal name of the deceased into the name field to retrieve matching estate cases. The system shows results sorted by filing year, court location, and case status. If multiple cases appear, you can compare dates and case numbers to select the correct file. Names with common spellings often return several records, so additional filters like filing year help narrow the list.

Search by Case Number

You can use a probate case number to locate a specific file within probatecourtrecords. The case number appears on court notices, attorney correspondence, and prior documentation. Entering the exact alphanumeric string produces the precise docket in seconds. This method works well for tracking an existing case through court updates and hearings. Attorneys and heirs often rely on case number searches to monitor ongoing estate administration from start to finish.

Search by Filing Date

Filing date searches help you locate probatecourtrecords submitted during a specific period. You can input a date range or single date to filter the docket list. This approach works when you know roughly when the estate was opened but lack a case number. Most probate courts index filings by submission date, making date filters efficient for archival research. You can combine filing date with case type for highly targeted results.

Search by Case Type

Case type filtering sorts probatecourtrecords by estate administration, will probate, intestate, small estate, guardianship, or conservatorship. Selecting a category shows only the dockets that match your selection. Researchers use case type filters to isolate guardianship matters from estate proceedings. Legal professionals tracking fiduciary appointments also benefit from this classification feature. Each case type carries its own fee structure and document retrieval rules.

Information Needed for a Search

You should gather basic details before running probatecourtrecords queries. The decedent name, approximate date of death, county of residence, and last known address help narrow results quickly. Existing case numbers, attorney names, or court order references improve accuracy. Knowing the type of probate matter (testate, intestate, small estate, guardianship) reduces irrelevant matches. Reviewing the checklist below helps you prepare for a smooth lookup experience.

• Decedent full legal name
• Date of death
• County of residence at time of death
• Existing case number or attorney name
• Type of probate matter

Probate Case Record Information

Each entry in probatecourtrecords contains identifying details that describe the estate and the parties involved. Standard fields include decedent name, case number, filing date, court location, case type, and current status. Reviewing these data points helps you confirm you are looking at the correct matter. Court clerks use this structured data to organize dockets and produce certified copies for legal proceedings.

Decedent Name

The decedent name field shows the legal name of the individual whose estate is being administered. Probatecourtrecords list this name exactly as it appears on the death certificate and the petition for probate. Name accuracy matters because any mismatch between the record and your search term produces zero results. Multiple deceased persons can share similar names, which is why extra identifiers become important during verification.

Probate Case Number

A probate case number serves as the unique identifier assigned by the court when a petition is filed. This alphanumeric code appears in probatecourtrecords, on court notices, and within attorney correspondence. Each year, courts may reset or continue numbering systems, so older files sometimes follow older formats. Case numbers link every related filing, order, and hearing under a single umbrella docket for easy tracking.

Filing Date

The filing date marks the day the original petition was submitted to the probate court. Probatecourtrecords use this date to organize dockets chronologically and to calculate statutory deadlines. Filing dates help researchers pinpoint the start of estate administration and confirm the validity of subsequent documents. Courts also use these dates to track creditor notifications and inventory submission requirements.

Court Location

Court location identifies which courthouse holds the physical files and serves as the venue for hearings. Probatecourtrecords display the courthouse name, county, and judicial district handling the matter. Los Angeles cases fall under Los Angeles Superior Court at 111 N. Hill St., and Michigan cases fall under Oakland County Probate Court at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac. Knowing the court location helps you choose the right office for certified copies or in-person review.

Case Type

Case type classifies the nature of the probate matter within probatecourtrecords. Categories include estate administration, will probate, intestate estates, small estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Reviewing the case type helps you confirm the proceeding matches your research purpose. Different case types carry different filing fees, document requirements, and statutory timelines for completion.

Case Status

Case status reveals where the matter sits within the court process. Common statuses in probatecourtrecords include pending, active, awaiting hearing, settled, and closed. Status updates appear automatically as clerks enter new filings or judicial orders. Tracking case status helps heirs, attorneys, and creditors stay informed about the progress of estate administration at every stage.

Types of Probate Court Records

Probatecourtrecords cover a wide spectrum of filings that govern estate administration, fiduciary duties, and personal protection matters. Each record type serves a distinct purpose in the court system. Reviewing the categories helps you identify which files to request for your specific research or legal need.

Estate Administration Records

Estate administration records document the full lifecycle of an estate from petition through final distribution. Within probatecourtrecords, these records include petitions, letters testamentary, inventories, creditor claims, accountings, and closing statements. Researchers use these files to trace how personal representatives fulfilled their fiduciary duties. These records also reveal the final distribution of assets to named beneficiaries.

Will Probate Records

Will probate records confirm the validity and admission of a testator’s last will. Found within probatecourtrecords, these documents include the petition for probate, the will text, and the court’s order admitting the will. Codicils appear alongside the original will when amendments exist. These records help beneficiaries confirm inheritance rights and support any will contest claims.

Intestate Estate Records

Intestate estate records apply when a person dies without a valid will. Probatecourtrecords track the court appointment of an administrator, the determination of heirs, and the distribution of assets under state law. These records follow statutory succession rules and document genealogical connections. Legal heirs rely on these files to establish inheritance claims through family relationships.

Small Estate Records

Small estate records cover estates that fall below a statutory value threshold, allowing simplified administration. Probatecourtrecords include affidavits, simplified petitions, and court orders designed for faster resolution. These records typically close within a short timeframe. Many jurisdictions offer small estate procedures to reduce costs and administrative burden for grieving families.

Guardianship Records

Guardianship records appear in probatecourtrecords when the court appoints a guardian for a minor or incapacitated adult. Files include petitions, evaluations, letters of guardianship, and periodic reports. These documents support oversight of personal care and financial decisions. Family members and social workers often review guardianship records to confirm the authority of appointed guardians.

Conservatorship Records

Conservatorship records document court oversight of an adult’s financial or personal affairs. Within probatecourtrecords, these files include petitions, inventories, accountings, and renewal orders. Conservatorship cases often run for extended periods and require regular reporting. Reviewing these records helps interested parties monitor how a conservator manages the protected person’s finances and well-being.

Probate Court Filings

Every entry in probatecourtrecords begins as a formal filing submitted to the court. Filings trigger court action and create the official paper trail for each case. Understanding the different filing types helps you locate the correct document within the docket.

Probate Petitions

Probate petitions open a case and request a specific court order. In probatecourtrecords, petitions include requests to admit a will, appoint an executor, or determine heirship. Petitioners attach supporting documents such as death certificates and property lists. The court reviews each petition before issuing an order that moves the case forward through the system.

Wills and Codicils

Wills and codicils represent the deceased person’s final wishes and any amendments to those wishes. Probatecourtrecords store original signed documents, self-proving affidavits, and any codicil attachments. Courts examine these documents to confirm authenticity and testator capacity at signing. Beneficiaries and attorneys often request certified copies of wills to support estate claims.

Letters Testamentary

Letters testamentary grant the executor authority to act on behalf of the estate. Found in probatecourtrecords, these letters allow the executor to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute property. Banks, financial institutions, and title companies often require letters testamentary before releasing estate assets. The letters remain valid until the court formally closes the estate.

Estate Inventories

Estate inventories list all property owned by the decedent at the time of death. Probatecourtrecords show itemized assets, valuations, and outstanding debts within these files. Executors submit these inventories within a statutory window after appointment. Inventory reviews help beneficiaries verify the executor’s accounting of estate holdings and asset distribution plans.

Creditor Claims

Creditor claims represent debts filed against the estate during the probate process. Probatecourtrecords record the creditor name, amount owed, and supporting documentation for each claim. The court reviews each filing for validity before approving or rejecting payment. Creditor claim records protect both the estate and the rightful beneficiaries from improper distributions.

Final Accountings

Final accountings summarize all financial activity during estate administration. Probatecourtrecords include receipts, disbursements, fees paid, and distributions made to beneficiaries. Courts review the final accounting before approving case closure. Heirs and attorneys use these documents to confirm the executor handled estate matters properly and in good faith.

Probate Case History

Case history tracks the chronological development of a probate matter from the initial filing through closure. Each entry in probatecourtrecords captures a court action, hearing, or status update. Reviewing case history helps you understand the full progression of an estate proceeding.

Case Filing

The case filing marks the formal start of probate proceedings. Within probatecourtrecords, the filing entry shows the petition type, filing date, and assigned judge. This entry also records the initial court fees paid at submission. Every subsequent document links back to the original filing record for full accountability.

Court Orders

Court orders represent judicial decisions that affect how an estate proceeds. Probatecourtrecords include orders admitting wills, appointing executors, approving sales, and resolving disputes. Each order carries a signed date and judicial authority stamp. Orders shape the legal direction of the entire estate administration process going forward.

Hearings and Proceedings

Hearings and proceedings entries document scheduled and completed court events. Probatecourtrecords display hearing dates, attendees, outcomes, and any continuances granted. Attorneys and heirs use these entries to prepare for upcoming dates. Proceeding records also support appeals when parties dispute court rulings or procedural decisions.

Case Updates

Case updates include routine filings, status changes, and administrative notes. Probatecourtrecords capture these updates as they occur, giving an accurate view of the current case posture. Updates may include proof of service, notice of hearing, or amended petitions. Monitoring updates keeps stakeholders informed between major court events and filings.

Estate Settlement

Estate settlement tracks the resolution of debts, asset distribution, and final accounting filings. Within probatecourtrecords, settlement entries show receipts, payments, and transfers to beneficiaries. Settlement work often takes months or years depending on estate complexity. Settlement records confirm the executor completed required tasks before final case closure.

Case Closure

Case closure marks the formal end of probate supervision. Probatecourtrecords show the closure order, final distribution confirmation, and discharge of the executor. Closed cases move into archival storage, with restricted access for older sealed files. Closure entries preserve the historical record while limiting ongoing court involvement in the matter.

Obtaining Probate Court Records

You can reach probatecourtrecords through online portals, public terminals, in-person visits, or formal document requests. Each access channel offers different benefits depending on the level of detail you need. Selecting the right method saves time and reduces costs based on your goal.

Online Probate Records

Online access through the official court portals delivers the fastest path to probatecourtrecords. You can search by name, case number, or filing date and review filings without leaving home. The portal displays dockets, orders, and hearing schedules in real time. Online access works well for quick status checks and preliminary case reviews before deeper research.

Public Record Availability

Public record access laws guarantee that most probatecourtrecords remain open to anyone who asks. You can review filings related to estate administration, will probate, and fiduciary appointments at the courthouse. Public access supports journalists, genealogists, and legal researchers tracking transparent court proceedings. Some restrictions apply to sealed or confidential files under state law.

In-Person Availability

In-person access at the courthouse allows you to view original documents not yet digitized. You can use public terminals at Los Angeles Superior Court at 111 N. Hill St. and Oakland County Probate Court at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac. Clerks can guide you to the right division for probate file retrieval. In-person visits help when older records lack online availability entirely.

Records Available by Request

You can request specific probatecourtrecords through the court’s records division. Requests typically require a case number, document name, and requester contact details. The clerk’s office processes requests and provides copies for a set fee per document. This method works best when you need certified copies for legal filings or property transfers.

Certified Copies

Certified copies carry an official court seal and signatures that verify authenticity. Probatecourtrecords offer certified copies of wills, letters testamentary, court orders, and inventories. Banks, insurance companies, and title firms usually require certified copies for asset transfers. Requesting certified copies involves a small processing fee per document requested.

Record Fees

Record fees cover the cost of retrieval, copying, and certification of probatecourtrecords. Standard copy fees apply to plain paper reproductions, while certified copies carry higher charges. Fees vary by jurisdiction and document type requested. Review the table below for typical probate record charges at Los Angeles Superior Court.

Probate Record Privacy and Restrictions

Privacy rules limit access to specific probatecourtrecords to protect sensitive personal data. Courts balance public access with privacy safeguards for protected parties. Understanding these restrictions helps you avoid delays or rejected requests when researching estate matters.

Public Probate Documents

Public probate documents include petitions, inventories, accountings, and closing statements. You can review these items in probatecourtrecords without restriction or appointment. Public access supports legal transparency in estate administration across the court system. Courts keep these records open for heirs, creditors, and the general public at large.

Sealed Documents

Sealed documents remain hidden from public view through a court order. Probatecourtrecords may include sealed files when sensitive matters such as minors, trade secrets, or confidential financial details are involved. Only parties named in the order can access sealed files directly. Requests to unseal require a formal motion and judicial approval process.

Restricted Information

Restricted information includes Social Security numbers, financial account details, and medical records. Probatecourtrecords redact this data before public release for privacy protection. The court applies redactions to printed copies, certified copies, and online docket views equally. Strict policies limit who can view unredacted material at any time.

Confidential Personal Data

Confidential personal data covers identifying details of heirs, beneficiaries, and protected persons listed in the file. Probatecourtrecords restrict access to data such as minor children’s names or incapacitated adult protected party details. The court uses protective rules to comply with state privacy statutes at all times. Confidential data remains in the court’s secure file system under lock.

Protected Court Records

Protected court records involve cases with heightened security concerns. Probatecourtrecords may include adoption-related files, certain mental health filings, or records involving domestic violence allegations. Access requires judicial authorization and sometimes the involvement of law enforcement agencies. These records remain off-limits to general public search through the portal.

Historical Probate Court Records

Older probatecourtrecords offer valuable insights for genealogists, historians, and legal researchers. Archives preserve these files in physical and digital formats across multiple storage facilities. Knowing where to look helps you track assets, family lineage, and property transfers from past decades and centuries.

Older Probate Cases

Older probate cases date back decades and offer evidence of historical estate patterns. Probatecourtrecords from prior eras capture property ownership, family relationships, and community wealth distribution across populations. Researchers often study these files to reconstruct historical estate maps and inheritance practices within local regions. Many older files remain in physical storage at the courthouse or regional archives.

Archived Court Records

Archived court records move to long-term storage after active proceedings end. Probatecourtrecords in the archives include closed cases, sealed historical files, and records transferred from earlier courthouse locations. Archive access may require a written request or an on-site appointment with staff. National and state archives sometimes hold older probate files no longer at the original courthouse.

Historical Estate Files

Historical estate files document wealth transfer, land grants, and heirship from past centuries. Within probatecourtrecords, these files often include handwritten wills, original signatures, and notarized documents from earlier eras. Researchers consult these files for genealogy, real estate history, and academic study purposes. Some historical estate files now appear in digital library collections.

Digitized Probate Records

Digitized probate records expand online access to historical cases across jurisdictions. Probatecourtrecords available through partner genealogy websites and state archives let you search scanned documents remotely from any device. Digitization projects continue to expand online historical coverage each year. You can download or order certified copies of select digitized records through the court system.

Genealogical Probate Research

Genealogical probate research uses estate files to trace family trees, confirm relationships, and locate historical property owned by ancestors. Probatecourtrecords reveal marriage records, children’s names, and sibling connections through will testimony over generations. Researchers often combine probate data with census records and church documents for full family reconstruction. Thorough genealogical research may require access to multiple county archives.

• Search by ancestor name across all known counties of residence
• Cross-reference will testimony with census and church records
• Request archived files for cases filed before digital indexing began
• Verify heir relationships through multiple generations of probate cases

Probate Record Verification and Corrections

Verifying the accuracy of probatecourtrecords protects your legal interests and prevents inheritance disputes. Errors sometimes appear in dockets due to clerical mistakes or incomplete filings. Knowing how to confirm and correct entries helps you safeguard estate data for the record.

Confirming the Correct Case

Confirming the correct case involves comparing search results with your known details. Within probatecourtrecords, you should check the decedent name, filing date, and court location against official documents. Cross-referencing reduces the risk of retrieving a similar but unrelated file by mistake. You can also contact the court clerk’s office for case verification support.

Matching the Decedent

Matching the decedent requires accurate personal details such as full legal name, date of death, and county of residence. Probatecourtrecords show these fields in every case header for identification. Matching prevents confusion between individuals with similar names within the same jurisdiction. You can request supporting documentation from vital records offices when needed.

Verifying Case Numbers

Verifying case numbers ensures you access the right docket within probatecourtrecords consistently. Court staff can confirm a case number through written or phone inquiries to the records division. Attorneys typically track case numbers through court notices and prior filings. Always double-check the format, year prefix, and character sequence when entering a case number manually online.

Checking Filing Dates

Checking filing dates helps you track important deadlines such as creditor claim windows, inventory due dates, and hearing schedules. Probatecourtrecords display these dates clearly in the docket header for every matter. Recording important dates keeps your case management organized through each milestone. Courts also publish filing date summaries through public calendars on their websites.

Reviewing Court Documents

Reviewing court documents lets you confirm the accuracy of inventory values, beneficiary lists, and executor appointments. Within probatecourtrecords, you can open each document to inspect the text, signatures, and attached exhibits filed in the matter. Document reviews support any petition or objection you may file later in the case. Always save copies of reviewed documents for your personal records.

Correcting Record Errors

Correcting record errors requires filing a formal motion or correction request with the court. Probatecourtrecords staff can guide you through the necessary forms for the specific correction. Common corrections include name misspellings, address updates, and birth date adjustments on file. Courts process corrections promptly once supporting evidence is submitted and reviewed by the assigned judge.

Search Problems

Search issues sometimes delay access to probatecourtrecords for legitimate researchers. Most problems have clear solutions once you identify the root cause. Review the following troubleshooting scenarios to overcome frequent obstacles during your lookup process.

Case Not Found

A case not found message may appear when search criteria do not match court records directly. Probatecourtrecords rely on accurate spelling and formatting for successful matches. Try alternative spellings, simplified search terms, or the case number directly. The clerk’s office can also run a manual search for you on request.

Name Spelling Differences

Name spelling differences often explain why your search returns no results in probatecourtrecords. The system uses the decedent’s legal name from official documents at filing. Try variations, maiden names, or shortened versions of the full name. Searching by date of birth when available can bypass spelling issues entirely.

Incorrect Case Number

An incorrect case number prevents direct access to probatecourtrecords in the portal. Transposed digits, missing prefixes, or wrong year codes all create errors during search. Verify the case number against court notices, prior documents, or the clerk’s office directly. Always recheck the full alphanumeric sequence before submitting your search request.

Wrong Court or Jurisdiction

Wrong court or jurisdiction selections stop you from finding probatecourtrecords filed in other counties. Confirm the county of residence at the time of death before searching the portal. Estates fall under the probate court of the jurisdiction where the decedent lived when passing. You may need to search neighboring counties for related filings on the same estate.

Historical Case Not Digitized

A historical case not digitized cannot appear in online probatecourtrecords searches. Older cases may reside in physical archives only at the courthouse. Visit the courthouse archive room to inspect these records in person. Genealogical societies and state libraries often hold copies of unindexed historical files for researchers.

Restricted Document

A restricted document may appear in search results but block full access to the contents. Probatecourtrecords label sealed or confidential files clearly on the docket sheet. You can request access through a formal motion or contact the clerk’s office for guidance on next steps. Restricted documents remain unavailable to general public viewers through the online portal.

Recently Filed Case

A recently filed case may take time to appear in probatecourtrecords due to processing delays at the courthouse. Clerks enter new cases into the system as quickly as possible after submission. Try searching again after 24 hours or contact the court clerk for an update on indexing. Recent filings often appear first on the public calendar. proceeding.

Probate Court Records

Civil court records address disputes between private parties, while probatecourtrecords focus on estate and fiduciary matters. Civil lawsuits can intersect with probate cases, especially when creditors sue an estate for unpaid debt. You can also cross-reference these findings by accessing verified criminal records online. Researchers sometimes need to consult both civil and probate dockets to fully understand a contested estate.

Contact Details

For Oakland County Michigan probate record inquiries, contact the probate court directly using the details below.

• Location: Oakland County Probate Court, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341
• Contact Number: (248) 858-0260
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Official Search Portal: https://www.oakgov.com/government/courts/probate-court

Frequently Asked Questions

Probatecourtrecords give families and professionals quick access to estate filings, docket entries, and public documents at the county level. Using the official court portals for Los Angeles and Oakland counties lets you locate case numbers, view probate estate documents, and request certified copies without a courthouse visit. The service reduces wait times, clarifies case status, and helps you retrieve essential records such as wills, property deeds, and death‑certificate extracts.

How can I search probatecourtrecords for a deceased person?

First, open the Los Angeles court portal at the official website. Then select the “Probate” tab and enter the full decedent name, case number, or filing year. Use the drop‑down filter to narrow by case type, such as will probate or small estate. After you click “Search,” the system lists matching docket entries with links to each probate case number lookup. Finally, click a result to view probate filing history, estate documents, and case status check. The portal updates daily, so recent filings appear within 24 hours.

What is the best way to perform a probate case number lookup?

Begin at the Oakland County probate court online portal. Choose “Case Search,” then type the known case number or the decedent’s name. If you only have a partial number, use the wildcard feature to expand the search. The tool returns the exact probate docket entry, including probate executor filings and any attached judgment copies. Next, review the case summary page to see filing dates, docket entries, and a link to download the probate case summary download PDF. This method provides the quickest probate record retrieval for Oakland County.

How to Find Probate and Death Records Online?

The court portal includes a “Record Request Form” that covers death‑certificate access. After locating the probate case, click the “Request Copy” button and select “Death Certificate.” The form asks for the decedent’s full name, case number, and your contact details. Submit the request online and pay the probate record fees using a credit card. Within three business days the clerk emails a secured PDF of the death certificate, which you can use for probate estate documents or probate court minutes verification.

Where can I find probate property deeds and inheritance records?

Log in to the Harris County clerk’s website and navigate to “Probate Property Deeds.” Enter the decedent’s name or probate case number to pull all associated deed transfers and inheritance records. The results show each deed’s filing date, parcel number, and a link to view the scanned document. You can also download the probate court judgment copies that confirm the executor’s authority. If you need a certified copy, select the certification option and pay the per‑page fee during checkout.

Why does my probate docket search return no results?

First, verify spelling variations and try the “sounds like” option for the decedent’s name. Next, expand the date range to include earlier years, as older filings may sit in the probate court archives. If the case still does not appear, check whether it was filed in a neighboring jurisdiction; probate records follow the decedent’s county of domicile. Finally, contact the records division with the case details and request a manual probate file lookup. The clerk can locate the file in the probate record indexing system and provide a copy.