Procedure where probate records destroyed.

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In case of the destruction by fire or otherwise of the records, or a part thereof, of any court having probate jurisdiction, the court may proceed, upon its own motion or upon the application in writing of any party in interest, to restore the records, papers, and proceedings of the court relating to the estate of deceased persons, including recorded wills and wills probated or filed for probate in said court. The power of restoration granted in this section shall also extend to the records, papers, proceedings, and documents of any previous court of probate which are or should be in the custody of a probate or district court. For the purpose of restoring said records, wills, papers, or proceedings, or any part thereof, the court may cause citations to be issued to all parties to be designated by it and may compel the attendance in court of any witness whose testimony may be necessary to establish any such record, or part thereof, and the production of any and all written and documentary evidence which it deems necessary in determining the true import and effect of the original record, will, paper, or other document belonging to the files of the court, and may make such orders and decrees establishing such original record, will, paper, document, or proceeding, or the substance thereof, as to it seems just and proper. The court may make all such rules and regulations governing the proceedings for the restoration of the record, will, paper, document, and proceeding pertaining to the court as in its judgment will best secure the rights and protect the interests of all parties concerned.

Source: L. 1889: p. 109, § 3. R.S. 08: § 1398. C.L. § 5616. CSA: C. 46, § 7. CRS 53: § 37-1-6. C.R.S. 1963: § 37-1-6. L. 64: p. 224, § 56.


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