In Probate Law, the law is very particular about what property can be distrubuted by what court. Generally, the will is probated in what ever county the person died in, so often you'll find a probate that took place somewhere other than the usual place of residence. However, if real property (land, houses) is involved, an additional probate may occur in the county where the property is located. This is a MUST if the property is located in another state but sometimes, depending on the state, one county can force the sale in another county or require that the property be transferred to another individual (an heir for example). But it has to be the same state. I'm not sure what the law in VA was like in 1835, but based on what you've said, that power probably did exist (you can go to many law libraries and look up the statutes of other states, even old ones). So, your ancestor probably died in Goochland, but lived somewhere else. OK, I know that was rambling but I hope it made some sense. Victoria Fair http://www.my-ged.com/fair