Probate Records: More Than Wills at Online & at Oakland FamilySearch Library – Oakland, CA

Probate Records: More Than Wills

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

6:30 – 8:00 PM, PDT

Presented by Lisa Gorrell

Live online via Zoom or watch from Oakland FamilySearch Library.

NEW! CGS members who log into the CGS Website can find Zoom, handout and survey links directly on the website (no registration required). Find out more here.

Non-members should register from this page for $5. Free to all in-person attendees

Will records are a great genealogical source as they can name heirs and who got what assets. But not all estates involve wills, and estates without a will often have more genealogical information than those with wills. This session will discuss both testate (there was a will) and intestate (there was no will) estates and how you can use them to further your genealogical research. We’ll discuss what they are, how to use them, and how to locate the records.

This event is live at the Oakland FamilySearch Library and on Zoom.

If you join on Zoom, please sign in early to make sure you are able to see the program. We will send you instructions the night before, and a reminder shortly before the event, which will give you access. Our remote classes now have live closed captioning. When registering, use an email address you will be checking. Please note all times are Pacific Time.

You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you have clicked on the link that you have been provided. You may also wish to create an account, but that is not required to participate in a Zoom meeting.

This event is presented live. Some events may be recorded for CGS use.

See you online!

Lisa S. Gorrell is a Certified Genealogist®. She has served on several genealogical society boards and is currently the recording secretary with the Contra Costa County Historical Society, where she volunteers at their archives. She enjoys giving genealogy presentations and writing about her family on two blogs: “Mam-ma’s Southern family” and “My Trails into the Past“. She has written a three-generation family history about her husband’s Swedish ancestors.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

CGS Members enjoy free access.

Non-Members pay a nominal $5 fee.

In person attendance is free for both members and non-members.

You can purchase a $45 one-year CGS Basic membership when you check out. To sign up for other membership options go to our web page: CGS Membership application

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Credit card payments will be processed by Eventbrite.

*Event fee is non-refundable.