Researching Probate Leads at the Courthouse

[Dave Hall]

I went down to the courthouse and found out the latest probate case file numbers so I can do an online search using the case search feature on the website. Here's the LINK. I have to go sequentially through the case files to see what pops up. Then I can check to see what type of case it is, i.e., guardianship, trust, title-estate of, and more. I can then make a list of the case numbers I want to review at the courthouse which means a clerk has to sit with me in the room while I get the info I want.

Problem 1: Which types of cases am I looking for? As I understand it, I want to find out who the personal representative is for cases which have real property, but should I be searching trusts? 

Problem 2: What kinds of documents should I look for in the case file? I went down to the courthouse to look at a trust case file and all it talked about was the dissolution of the trust. I had a hard time figuring out whose name and address to write down so I could contact them. Also, in a lot of cases, the person I would be contacting is a surviving spouse, so I don't think I want to contact them.

What are you thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks,

Dave