Before discussing specific types of records, let's talk about the difference between loose (or unbound) records and recorded records.  A loose or unbound record is the original handwritten document that is brought to the courthouse to be recorded.  The clerk transcribes the document into a record book, which becomes the official or recorded copy.  The types of records that a researcher is likely to come across in loose and recorded formats are:

Marriages. A couple was issued a marriage license by the Ordinary (now, Probate Judge).  At that time, the Ordinary recorded the issuance of the license in a Marriage Book. After the marriage, the minister of the gospel or the justice of the peace who conducted the ceremony indicated the date of the marriage and returned the license to the Ordinary.  The Ordinary added the marriage date and the date he recorded it to the appropriate page in the Marriage Book.  Many, if not most, counties kept the loose marriage records. 

Estate Records.  Loose or unbound estate records (also known as unbound estate case files) are the original records that pertain to the settling of an estate.  These are often handwritten on individual sheets of papers.  The administrator or executor brings these original papers to the register of probates for recording.  The register of probates (now, the Probate Judge) transcribes each of the original records in the appropriate record book..  For example, wills are recorded in Will Books; annual returns in Annual Returns Books.  Sometimes, there will be a book of Mixed or Miscellaneous Estate Records that will contain transcriptions of several different types of records.  If a county has unbound estate case files, generally, all of the estate records pertaining to an individual will be found in one folder.  The recorded estate records are found in many different types of books.

Deeds.  A conveyance was drawn up, signed and witnessed.  This original deed was brought to the county where the clerk of the Superior Court transcribed the document, including signatures, into a deed book.  With few exceptions, the original deed was returned to the grantee (buyer).

Court Cases (civil and criminal).  The loose records are not transcribed.  However, Superior Court Minutes will generally contain a brief synopsis of the case. 

Find out what types of county records are the most useful for genealogists.