From Our “Ask a Question” mailbag: “What the Philadelphia Register of Wills Requires to Probate a Will?”

Most recently updated June 5th, 2018

Probate Attorney, Kelly Barse.

“My friends tell me to avoid probate. But, I have also heard that probating a Will in Philadelphia is pretty easy. If I decide to have a Will, what does the Philadelphia Register of Wills Requires to Probate a Will?”

What the Philadelphia Register of Wills Requires to Probate a Will?

The Philadelphia Register of Wills office probates the wills of deceased, Philadelphia residents. Further, this is where you would file the Wills of people from outside Pennsylvania that owned Philadelphia real estate.  Probate is the process by which the will of a deceased Philadelphian is judged by the Register to be valid or invalid.

The Philadelphia probate process requires that the person named in the will as executor petition the Register of Wills to recognize the Will. The process requires providing the Philadelphia Register of Wills the original will and death certificate.  One of the Register’s representatives will examine the Will for proper execution.

If the document is judged as proper, the Register will then also examine the deceased’s original death certificate. If both the will and the death certificate are in order, the Register will then verify the executor’s identity. Typically, the executor provides a photo I.D. The Register will then make further inquiries verifying that this person is qualified to serve as either the executor or administrator.

Oh Yes, There is a Fee.

If all is in order, the Philadelphia Register of Wills’ agent will then calculate the fee. Upon payment, the Register’s office will prepare the paperwork that the executor or administrator will use to prove to others that he or she is the estate’s representative.

More Probate Questions?

If you have more probate questions, please read my more detailed article, Probate Process: All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: What the Philadelphia Register of Wills Requires to Probate a Will.

In this article, I tried to explain What the Philadelphia Register of Wills Requires to Probate a Will. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. So, let me know how I did, comments and questions are welcome!

If you have a probate question, let our probate lawyers help walk you through the confusing probate process. Call to speak to one of our experienced probate lawyers.  Our lawyers are ready to answer your questions.

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation, It’s All We Do

Peter Klenk, Probate Lawyer