I wasn't suggesting that a researcher not get the estate file. I was merely pointing out the easiest procedure to obtain the results mentioned when you don't know whether the person left a will. A request for a will gets you the will of a testator or the estate file of an intestate. It is not necessary to request an estate file unless you want one for a testator. If you want to request both at the same time, it is would be better to determine if there is a will listed in the book first, since out-of-state residents must send in $10 per request. The "Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives: County Records" published in 1997 shows original marriage bonds in the Archives for most of the counties old enough to have them.