From Our “Ask a Question” mailbag: “Are Wills Filed with the Philadelphia Register of Wills Open to the Public?”

Most recently updated June 6th, 2018

Probate Attorney, Kelly Barse.

“My grandfather died in Philadelphia some years ago, and I want to know what his will says. So, are Wills Filed with the Philadelphia Register of Wills Open to the Public?”

Are Wills Filed with the Philadelphia Register of Wills Open to the Public?

All wills filed with the Philadelphia Register of Wills are public records. Also, the Philadelphia Register of Wills has records going back to 1924.  Furthermore, all of these records in the Philadelphia Register of Wills office are open and available to the public.

Can I Make a Copy of The Wills?

Any person may review and obtain copies of information filed with the Register. Because all records are open to the public, several of my Philadelphia clients have had me craft estate plans that avoid filing records with the Register of Wills. Some people like privacy.  If a plan avoids probate, then they leave nothing open to the public’s curious eyes (or the curious eyes of an ex-spouse, disinherited child, nosy neighbor, etc.)

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 answered the question, “Are Wills Filed with the Philadelphia Register of Wills Open to the Public.” 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. Furthermore, feel free to 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