Researching deceased estates files before 1923 is a complex process, with researchers often having to check up to five different indexes to locate a file. This index aims to simplify the process. It will eventually cover 1880-1923. At present it covers 1887-c. May 1907.
There are currently c. 28,200 entries. This is an ongoing project and entries are being progressively added. Make sure you visit regularly for updates!
For more information on Deceased Estate Files see Archives in Brief No. 29.
How to use this index
When you have located an entry in which you are interested, record the Date Duty Paid. Ensure you bring this date with you to the Western Sydney Reading Room (where the records are located). The Date Duty Paid will allow staff to locate surviving files.
Item lists for the files are available in both reading rooms. The lists, which are arranged by the Date Duty Paid, can be used to identify the container in which the file should be stored. We cannot determine whether the file has survived until the container (held at the Western Sydney Records Centre) is checked.
Are copies available from this index?
No, copies are not available from this index. Due to the physical size of some of the files, and because a number have not survived, copies can only be ordered in the reading room after viewing the records.
How was the index compiled?
As the index was compiled from the Index to registers of deceased estates and not from the files we hold, there may be entries in the index for which a file has not survived. This index includes entries from the following series:
NRS 13344, Stamp Duties Office, Deceased Estates Branch: Indexes to registers of deceased estates (probate), 1887-98, [19/10182-94] Reels 3025-3026
NRS 13345, Stamp Duties Office, Deceased Estates Branch: Indexes to registers of deceased estates, 1898-1923, [19/10207-61] Reels 3028-3034
These indexes cover the Duty Paid files, 1887-1923 [20/1-896] from the series NRS 13340, Stamp Duties Office, Deceased Estates Branch: Deceased estates files, 1880-1959.Other indexes to check
If you cannot locate a person in the online index there are three other indexes to check for more deceased estate files. These indexes are available only on microfilm and are located in both of the State Records' reading rooms.
NRS 13341, Stamp Duties Office, Indexes to deceased estate files ('Z Series'), c.1880-1923, [19/10565-78] Reels 3206-09
NRS 13343, Stamp Duties Office, Death Duties Branch: Indexes to registers of administration of intestate estates, 1880-99, [19/10195-02] Reels 3026
NRS 13346, Stamp Duties Office, Death Duties Branch: Indexes to registers of Deceased Estates (Public Trustee), 1914-22, [19/10203-06] Reels 3027
Feedback
We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions you may have on using the Index.