AGENCY: Weber County (Utah). Probate Court
SERIES: 5142
TITLE: Probate minute books
DATES: i 1883-1896.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological by date of court session
DESCRIPTION: This series is made up of minute books in which are recorded the official acts and proceedings of the Weber County Probate Court (which was eliminated at statehood in 1896) while sitting in Ogden, Weber County, Utah. These records were created and maintained by the court clerk, who was required by statute to enter "all orders and decrees of the court or judge...at length in the record books of the court provided and kept for that purpose" (Compiled Laws of Utah, 1888, volume 2, part 11, chapter 12, section 4286, page 537).
Originated by the Weber County Probate Court during the territorial period, entries in the minute books begin in February 1883. A typical probate or guardianship case spans multiple dates. Copies of court orders and decrees, discharges, petitions, and notices are typical. Most cases involve the estates of deceased persons but cases involving commitment to the state mental hospital and adoption are included throughout the entire series. Entries in all volumes are handwritten.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently and then microfilm.
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical
Disposition based on documentation about individuals, legal procedure, court history and functions. Minute books have legal and administrative value to the court through dismissal or satisfaction of the final judgment. Because they enforce or protect private rights and prevent or redress private wrongs, the value of the judge's decrees and final judgments to parties in the action may well extend indefinitely.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public. Judicial records are public unless restricted under rules of civil procedure (UCA 63G-2-301-[1][f[). Included are custody proceedings, guardianship files, minutes, and probate records.