Ms. Crews, I assume from the information you provide that the decedent died intestate. While probate in Virginia could become quite complex depending upon conditions like debt, value of the estate, number of heirs, and a host of other issues, the general procedure would be that the widow would petition for her share as provided under state law (I am more familiar with Georgia, but I seem to recall that Virginia recognized a widow's dower which was typically a third of the estate), and appraisements were almost always performed in advance of distribution of assets to the widow and minors. Quite simply, they had to know what the estate was worth before they distributed or liquidated the assets, especially if there were outstanding debts or other financial obligations that would allow creditors to lay claim to the estate. Sales were also common, especially in cases of intestacy, multiple heirs, disputed wills, debts, etc. where it was possible to translate the possessions into real money and then distribute that money equitably among the heirs or claimants. That said, widows could receive their distribution in assets prior to sale, they could wait until the completion of the sale to receive cash, or there might be a combination of pre- and post-sale distribution. VA probate was carried out in the chancery courts, so you might be able to find additional documents relating to the settlment of this estate through the Library of Virginia's Chancery Records Index avaliable online through the LVA website. You can search by locality and by name to find digitized copies of related documents. Harold Gill and George Curtis provide an excellent overview in an article they wrote for the VA Mag in 1979 (available via JSTOR at the LVA or a local university) - it may speak primarily to probate during the colonial period, but these practices persisted. - Harold B. Gill, Jr. and George M. Curtis, III. "Virginia's Colonial Probate Policies and the Preconditions for Economic History." The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 87, No. 1 (Jan., 1979), pp. 68-73 Another good article is: - Lee J. Alston and Morton Owen Schapiro. "Inheritance Laws Across Colonies: Causes and Consequences." The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 44, No. 2, The Tasks of Economic History (Jun., 1984), pp. 277-287. Hope this helps, John -----Original Message----- From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Vanessa Crews Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 10:20 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [VA-ROOTS] 1825 estate appraisal I'm transcribing an 1825 estate appraisal and sale in Powhatan County Virginia. The deceased died without a will, leaving a wife and several young children. Was the practice to settle with the widow pre-appraisement or post-appraisement? This was a small estate but included some nice pieces such as a walnut tea table, wine glasses and a bedstead with furnishings? Was it customary to sell everything at a public sale? This must have been painful for the widow to watch neighbors and family snapping up her prized belongings. I appreciate the kind assistance of this learned group. Vanessa Crews To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html