The Register of Wills is an elected position. Our office serves as both the Register of Wills and the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. As part of our work, we:

• Issue marriage licenses and keep marriage records dating back to 1915.
• Probate wills, which proves that they're valid.
• Issue letters of administration when a Philadelphia resident dies without a will.
• Keep records of wills, estate inventories, and related documents.
• Act as an agent for filing and paying inheritance taxes.
• Maintain the dockets and records of the Orphan's Court.

We can walk you through the probate process, but we cannot provide legal advice. We may recommend that you get an attorney.