The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania probate matters, online access and electronic filing are often controlled by the local Orphans’ Court Division/Register of Wills for the county where the estate is opened, and the available “portal” tools vary by county. Even when an e-filing system exists, probate records (like wills and related filings) are still governed by rules about where they must be filed/recorded and how certified copies are handled.

If you need reliable access to the correct documents (and especially certified copies for banks, real estate, or out-of-county property), it’s usually worth having a probate attorney confirm the proper county, the correct record set, and the acceptable form of copies.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Pennsylvania probate is county-based. The county Register of Wills is responsible for maintaining key probate records, including probated wills and related filings, and those records must be indexed/recorded and kept by the Register (subject to limited exceptions). That matters because even if you can view or upload documents electronically in a given county, the legal effect of the record—and what third parties will accept—often depends on what is recorded with the Register and whether you have a properly certified copy.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 921.

This statute establishes that probated wills must be indexed and recorded by the Register of Wills and remain in the Register’s office (except when required to be in the custody of a higher court), and that recording may be done by photographic or other mechanical process.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: In counties that allow or require e-filing, electronic filing timestamps and court acknowledgements can control whether something is considered “filed,” and courts can also order originals to be produced on a short timeline.
• Burden of Proof: Banks, title companies, and other parties often require certified copies of probate documents (not just a downloaded PDF). Getting the correct certified record from the correct office is critical.
• Exceptions: Probate must generally be opened in the proper county, and if the decedent owned real estate in another county, additional recording steps may be needed to protect title and provide notice—issues that can be mishandled if you rely only on what you see in an online portal.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to rejected filings, delays in getting letters/certified copies, or problems transferring real estate or accessing accounts.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.