Philadelphia County Probate Records

Philadelphia County probate records are important documents that explain how an individual's belongings are administered to their heirs following their death. These records encompass wills, property inventories, and legal documents that specify who receives money, houses, or other assets. In Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, these matters are handled by the Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. Individuals seek probate records for numerous purposes, such as establishing an entitlement to some of an estate, settling claims for assets, or obtaining details of one's ancestors. They are also considered part of Philadelphia County court records and feature details of probate court proceedings.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Philadelphia County probate records are publicly available in accordance with Pennsylvania's court regulations (204 Pa. Code § 213.81), which allows public access to most court documents, including probate documents.

However, some parts of probate records must remain confidential to protect personal information. The law keeps details like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and the names of minors confidential. Records related to adoptions, guardianships, and conservatorships are also not available to the public to protect the people involved.

What is Probate Court in Philadelphia County?

Philadelphia County probate court helps to make sure a person's belongings, like money and real estate, are distributed to the right people when they pass away. This court confirms whether or not a will is legal, names an individual to manage the estate, and settles any disagreement over who gets what. In Philadelphia County, probate cases are handled by the Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. These offices also take care of guardianship cases, which help protect children or adults who cannot take care of themselves.

People who need help with probate matters can visit these offices:

Philadelphia Register of Wills Office
City Hall
Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-6255

Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas
Room 415
City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-2230

Probate Court Case Lookup

The Register of Wills and the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas make obtaining Philadelphia County probate court cases easier. The Register of Wills keeps records of wills, estates, and probate cases, while the Orphans' Court Division handles disagreements about estates and cases involving guardianship. To look up a case, a person needs to know the name of the person who passed away, the date of death, and, if possible, the estate file number.

People can visit or send a mail request to these offices. To receive records via mail, a person will need to send a written request or filled-out form with the case details and any fees necessary to the Register of Wills Office. While some general court documents can be retrieved online through Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System (UJS) Web Portal, probate documents cannot be retrieved online and will need to be retrieved from these offices in person.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Free online access to Philadelphia County probate records is not common, as the Philadelphia Register of Wills does not provide direct online access to these types of records. Individuals must request records via mail or visit the office in person, for which there is a $20 research fee and additional fees for copies. Some general court records are available through Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal, but Philadelphia County probate records are not.

How Long Does Probate Take in Pennsylvania?

Probate in Pennsylvania usually takes between 9 to 24 months, although it could take less time or more depending on several factors. In the event that one has a simple will and no one contests it, probate is over in less than a year. However, if there are issues over the will, missing papers, or unpaid debts, it could take years. Other elements, like court calendars, taxes, and how big the estate is, dictate the length of time. If there are problems, like people arguing with each other over what belongs to whom, probate takes longer to finish.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. In Philadelphia County, a will only becomes a public document when the person is deceased and when the will has been filed in the Register of Wills to be probated. That is, after the court starts working on the will, people are permitted to access it. However, if one files their will with the Register of Wills for safe custody when they are still alive, then it is not a public document. A judge, in some cases, seals portions of the will, in other words, certain information is not made available.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

Any individual seeking a will in Philadelphia County can start by asking the Register of Wills Office. If the individual is dead, the will might have been filed for probate, in which case it has been published. Probate is the legal process to verify a will and administer the will execution, to ensure that the desires of the deceased person are followed. The Register of Wills can determine whether a will exists and provide access to probate papers if requested.

If the person is living, their will is not available for public viewing. Only the person or their attorney can determine whether a will has been executed. Others keep their wills in safe places, such as at home, with a lawyer, or in a bank safe deposit box. Relatives or legal representatives will then need to inquire of the person or the lawyer themselves whether a will has been executed and where it is kept. If in a safe deposit box, access only can be gained through a court order at death.

Philadelphia County Family Court Case Search

People who want to find family court cases in Philadelphia County can check the Family Court Domestic Relations Docket Search from the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. This online tool helps look up cases about things like custody and divorce using a person’s name or case number. Some cases, especially those which involve children or private matters, are not accessible and cannot be retrieved online.

For an in-person search, individuals can visit the Philadelphia Family Court at the address below:

1501 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Court staff can help find case information, but some records may still be sealed or private. People directly involved in a case can also create an account on the FJD Electronic Filing System (EFS) to see more details. However, certain parts of a case may still stay private to protect those involved.