Always look for a gap between the date the will was signed and the date it was submitted for probate in cases such as this. Most colonial wills seem to have been drawn up within a month or two of death. But exceptions are out there. Another good habit to adopt is to check the court orders around the time the will is submitted for probate and follow it forward until all of the children are grown. It is in these records that you will learn of challenges to the will. Margaret R. Amundson, CGsm is a service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by Board-certified associates after periodic proficiency evaluations. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html