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Archiver > GEN-FR > 1997-09 > 0873125614


From: jane gant <>
Subject: Prothonotarial Records-types
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 10:53:34 -0400


These records are similar to probate records and notary records in the US,
but contain much more info due to the laws of the old French regime. This
type of record exists ONLY in Quebec province. Most now held in Archives
Nationales du Quebec.
All legal transactions were brought before the prothonotaries and their
registers include various records of genealogical value:
1.Marriage Contracts (Contrats de mariage)-Frequently French Canadian
couples signed a formal contract prior to marriage, stipulating such things
as the bride's dowry,the responsibility of each for any debts incurred
before and after marriage, the division of communal property should the
marriage be dissolved. Each document usually contains the names of the
bride and groom, their ages, the names of their parents,maiden name of
mother, places of origin,occupation of groom, names of relatives and
friends who were present. (Cover the period from 11636 to the present)
2. Donations to Heirs (Donations entre vifs)-Originate with elderly parents
dividing their property among their children before their deaths. Usually
contain names of children,their parents,sometimes
grandparents,dates,residences and conditions to be fulfilled by
recipients.(Cover 1640 to present)
3. Wills(Testaments)
4. Inventories (Inventaires)
5.Settlement (Partage)
6. Guardianship and Orphan Records
7.Indentures (Engagements)-Concern records of immigrants from France who
promised to serve individuals in Quebec from a certain length of time for
certain remuneration. The documents were drawn BEFORE they left and are
mostly located in France(the area of La Rochelle from where many left for
Quebec) These records are mainly from the 1600s.
Cited from Research Outline:Quebec, Family History Library,Salt Lake
City,UT.
Happy Labor Day! Jane in NJ

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