FAQs • Register of Wills (2024)

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1.What services does the Register of Wills Office provide?

2.Are all wills open to the public?

3.What does it mean to register a will?

4.Why is a will registered or probated?

5.What is probate?

6.What does the word intestate mean?

7.The decedent died without a will. Now what do I do?

8.What is a short certificate?

9.Why do you keep the original will?

10.Does a will get registered or filed after it is written?

11.I cannot find the original will. I only have a copy. What can I do?

12.What is a testator?

13.What are letters testamentary and letters of administration?

14.Do I need an attorney to apply for letters testamentary or letters of administration?

15.Who can be appointed administrator?

16.What do I need when I come to the office to open the estate?

17.Does your office assist in the preparation of the inheritance tax return?

18.Does the law require the signature of the testator to be witnessed at the time of signing?

19.What property passes by wills?

20.Is there any time limitation on the validity of a will?

21.Are life insurance proceeds subject to Pennsylvania inheritance tax?

22.Are transfers made prior to the decedent's death subject to Pennsylvania inheritance tax?

23.Does Pennsylvania recognize convenience account?

24.What are the spousal tax rates?

25.When is a will effective?