A minor child who lost his/her father was considered an orphan whether or not his/her mother was alive.  A mother did not have "ownership" of her own children.  It was necessary for a male, relative or otherwise, to be appointed guardian to oversee the child's upbringing and look out for it's financial interests in the estate.  Sometimes the father appointed a guardian in his will, if not the parish would handle it.  After the Revolution the courts took over.  

kathy 

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