Detailed Answer
When you request estate files from the Orphans’ Court Division (county probate division) in Pennsylvania, you must provide specific information to locate and obtain the records. Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), court records are generally public. Estate files reside in the Register of Wills or Prothonotary office of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent lived at death.
Information you typically need:
- Decedent’s Full Name: Provide the complete legal name as it appears on the death certificate or prior filings.
- Date of Death: Include the exact or approximate date of death. This helps narrow the search to the correct time frame.
- Case Docket or File Number: If you have a docket or file number, include it. Courts assign a unique number when they open an estate administration case (see 20 Pa.C.S. § 3122).
- County of Administration: Identify the county where the decedent resided at death; that county’s Orphans’ Court maintains the estate files.
- Requester Information: Provide your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address (if available). The court uses this to notify you of fees and when the records are ready.
- Relationship to the Estate (if applicable): Although estate records are public, certain documents (e.g., inventories) may require you to state your interest in the estate.
- Specific Documents or Date Range: If you need only select documents (e.g., will, inventory, account), specify which ones. Alternatively, give a date range to locate filings made within a certain period.
Send your request in writing to the Register of Wills or Prothonotary in the relevant county. Include the required information and reference the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.704) if you frame it as a public records request. Pay the copying and certification fees as set forth by county fee schedules.
Helpful Hints
- Check the county court website for online search portals. Many counties offer docket search services.
- Contact the Register of Wills directly to confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods.
- Use certified copies if you need documents for legal proceedings. The fee for certified copies varies by county.
- If you can’t find the docket number, provide alternative details like date range and decedent’s last known address in the county.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you mail a request to speed up delivery.
- Ask if the court offers electronic delivery to save on copying and postage fees.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation.