Abstract
Courts with probate jurisdiction are an excellent example of the evolution of American courts. Despite the fact that they are direct descendants of the English judicial system, the structure, jurisdiction, and procedures of the probate courts assumed a uniquely American flavor soon after their initial establishment in the colonies. From the beginning, American probate courts have shown considerable diversity from state to state. State courts exercising probate jurisdiction have continued to evolve over time in response to the various demands placed upon them. This article describes the historical evolution of American courts exercising jurisdiction over probate matters, with specific attention given to the most recent attempt to develop standards to "bridge gaps of information, provide organization and direction to the development of these courts, and set forth aspirational goals for them."
This abstract has been taken from the authors' introduction.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1995
Publication Information
12 Probate Law Journal 109-143 (1995)
Repository Citation
Hafemeister, Thomas L. and Hannaford-Agor, Paula, "The Evolution of American Probate Courts and Emerging Standards to Guide Their Progress" (1995). Faculty Publications. 2371.
https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/2371