Danish Probate Records

This webinar features Jenny Hansen, an expert in Scandinavian genealogy, discussing Danish probate records. Probate records, created after an individual's death, contain valuable genealogical information. These records typically include a preamble with details about the deceased and their heirs, an inventory of the estate, a list of outstanding debts, and how assets were assigned. The Danish term for probate record is “skifteprotokoller,” which translates to “records of property changes.”

The introduction of the Danske Lov in 1683 by King Christian V standardized legal practices in Denmark, including probate laws. Probate records became essential for estates with minor heirs, absent heirs, or no heirs. Unlike wills, which were uncommon due to property ownership and literacy limitations, probate records offer detailed insights into family relationships and inheritance practices. These records also specified rules for guardianship of minors, defined as males under 25 and unmarried females, and outlined inheritance, favoring male relatives. Although these laws remained largely unchanged until 1845, they provide valuable information for genealogical research, especially for the period before 1814, when church records were less detailed.

The webinar emphasizes the importance of understanding the Danish manor or estate system (Gods), as most ancestors were tenant farmers on these estates. These estates had their own legal systems, land records, and responsibilities, including the execution of probate processes. The speaker also provides resources for finding probate records, noting that major genealogy websites lack comprehensive indexes.

• Probate records are essential genealogical documents that detail estate information following a person's death, including assets, debts, and heirs.
• The Danish probate system was significantly influenced by the Danske Lov of 1683, which standardized legal practices and inheritance laws.
• Jurisdictional complexities in Denmark, where probate records could be found in manor, county, church, or city courts, make locating these records challenging.

Unique Insight: probate law favored the father’s male relatives and then the mother’s male relatives in the order of inheritance, with males receiving double the portion of females. This highlights the patriarchal structure of Danish society during the period.