Finding Wills Probated

Probated wills are public records. If you are looking for a date and place of death, look to see if the deceased left a will. The will itself will list the names of those to whom property was left, which may lead you more directly to a newspaper death announcement or an obituary. A copy of any will is available for a fee.

In Toronto, go to 393 University Avenue, 10th floor, and ask the clerk to show you how to access the index to wills. (If processed more than 40 years ago, then go to the Ontario Archives) These are listed alphabetically and chronologically on microfilm. (Some older will indices are in ledger books.) Actual wills are not kept on site, so you may have to wait several days before you can pick up a copy of the document. The date and place of death however, are listed in the index.

Outside York County, check with General Court Division in the county seat for the town you are interested in.