There is such an office in every county in the New England states.

It is called the Probate office.

The officer, who has this business in charge, is called the Judge of Probate.

There is a similar system in force, in all the other states of the Union, though the officers are sometimes called by different names from those which they receive in New England.
Now, while Albert was lying sick upon his bed, he was occupied a great deal of the time, while they thought that he was asleep, in thinking what was to become of his wife and children in case he should die.
He knew very well that in case he died without making any will, his property must be divided, under the direction of the Judge of Probate, and one part of it be kept for the children, while Mary Erskine would have the control only of the other part.

This is a very excellent arrangement in all ordinary cases, so that the law, in itself, is a very good law.