Philadelphia Register of Wills – Philadelphia, PA

Official Custodian of Records for Philadelphia Estates and Families

The Office of the Register of Wills is a vital and historic branch of Philadelphia’s city government, serving as the official record-keeper for a variety of critical life events. Located within the iconic Philadelphia City Hall, this office plays a fundamental role in the administration of justice for matters concerning estates, trusts, and marriage. Our mission is to serve the public with efficiency, integrity, and compassion, ensuring that wills are probated accurately, court records are meticulously maintained, and marriage licenses are issued in accordance with Pennsylvania law. We are the official gateway for the legal processes that transfer wealth between generations and formally recognize family unions.

Core Functions and Public Services

As a cornerstone of the city’s legal infrastructure, the Register of Wills has several key responsibilities that are essential for attorneys and the general public alike. Our primary duties ensure the orderly management of family and estate matters.

• Probate Lawyers and Estate Administration: Our most critical function is the probate of wills. After a person passes away, their will is brought to our office to be legally validated and filed. We grant Letters Testamentary to executors or Letters of Administration to administrators, which provides the legal authority necessary to manage and distribute the decedent’s estate.
• Clerk of the Orphans’ Court: The Register of Wills also serves as the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas. In this capacity, we are responsible for managing the official court records for all litigation involving estates, trusts, guardianships, and adoptions. This makes our office an essential hub for Probate Lawyers, Trusts Lawyers, and Adoption Lawyers.
• Issuance of Marriage Licenses: For couples wishing to get married in Pennsylvania, our office is the official issuer of marriage licenses for the City of Philadelphia. We guide applicants through the process to ensure they have the proper documentation to legally formalize their union.
• Keeper of Public Records: We maintain a vast archive of all wills, estate inventories, and other court documents filed in Philadelphia. These records are a valuable resource for historical and genealogical research and are available for public inspection.
• Inheritance Tax Collection: Our office acts as the official collection agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Revenue, processing and receiving inheritance tax payments for all estates probated in Philadelphia.

Accessing Our Services

Our office is located in Room 180 of City Hall and is open to the public during normal business hours. We strongly encourage individuals to visit our official city website at www.phila.gov to access important forms, fee schedules, and information about any necessary appointment requirements before visiting. Please note that while our staff is knowledgeable and can guide you through our procedures, they are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice. For assistance with legal matters, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney, such as an Estate Planning Lawyer or a Probate Lawyer, to ensure your rights are protected.

Serving the People of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Register of Wills is committed to providing essential services that affect nearly every family in our city. We take pride in our role as the guardian of vital records and the facilitator of critical legal processes, serving all residents of Philadelphia with professionalism and respect.