RETOURS - SERVICES OF HEIRS

[stepmars]

I've started using the Services of Heirs as a reference source but I have a couple of queries I hope someone can answer for me. A family member I am researching is listed in Services of Heirs as Heir General of both his grandfather and father. The entries are both dated 22 Feb 1813.

Q1 Is it always true to assume that such records relate to inheritances after death or can the records relate to property transfered prior to death?

Q2 Given that it is unlikely that grandfather and father died at the same time why would both entries have been created on the same date?

Thanks,

Steve

[LesleyB]

Hi Steve
As I've only used the services of heirs a few times, I may not be the best person to comment here

Is it always true to assume that such records relate to inheritances after death or can the records relate to property transfered prior to death?

As far as I'm aware, yes, these inheritances refer specifically to inheritances as a result of the death of a relative. Otherwise, property such as land transferred before death would turn up in the sasines, for instance.

Also, from memory, there are usually two dates given in the services of heirs, neither of which refer to the date of death specifically - in one case I know of the date in the SoH is about 12 years after the death of the parent: I think the legal paperwork could take some time to sort out on some occasions, thus the gap.

Also see:
http://www.nas.gov.uk/guides/inheriting.asp


Best wishes
Lesley