Philadelphia Probate Court Case Search & Court Records
Official 2026 step-by-step guide to search probate cases, access court records, retrieve wills, and file probate matters in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Courts
Philadelphia Case Search
(215) 686-6250
City Hall Room 180, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Philadelphia Probate Court case search and court records access is essential for estate administration, will probate, inheritance matters, executor appointments, and guardianship proceedings in Pennsylvania. This guide provides a real step-by-step workflow using official Philadelphia systems so you can efficiently search probate cases, obtain records, and complete filings.
🔎 Philadelphia Probate Court Case Search (Official Workflow)
Philadelphia uses court and county systems for public case access and estate filings.
- Go to → Philadelphia Case Search
- Select search method:
- Name search
- Estate number / docket number
- Party search
- Enter required details
- Review matching results
- Open docket summary or case activity
What You Can View Online
- Case number and filing date
- Estate / probate party names
- Case type
- Status updates
- Docket activity
Common Search Issues & Fixes
- No result → try alternate spelling
- Recent filing missing → allow processing time
- Older records → request archive lookup
📂 How to Get Philadelphia Probate Court Records (Full Documents)
For full probate files or certified copies, contact the Register of Wills office.
- Search case and note docket number
- Request records:
- In person
- Mail request
- Phone/email inquiry if available
- Provide:
- Estate number
- Decedent name
- Date of death (if known)
- Requested documents
- Pay copy or certification fees
Available Records
- Wills
- Letters Testamentary
- Estate petitions
- Inventories and accountings
- Court orders
- Guardianship-related filings
Marriage Records
- Handled separately by Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau
- Not a probate court function
Records NOT Public
- Sealed estates
- Certain minors’ matters
- Protected/confidential filings
- Restricted guardianship records
📄 Probate Forms & Filing (Official Process)
Philadelphia Court Forms & Resources
- Select proper filing type:
- Probate petition
- Small estate
- Executor appointment
- Guardianship matter
- Complete forms accurately
- Submit with supporting documents
- Pay filing fees
- Receive hearing date or issuance documents
- Missing death certificate
- Unsigned forms
- Incorrect petitioner details
- Missing filing fees
📍 Court Location & Map
Address: City Hall Room 180, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Office Hours
- Monday–Friday: Standard business hours
Visit Strategy
- Arrive early morning for shorter waits
- Bring photo ID
- Carry originals and copies
- Confirm payment methods before visit
⚖️ What Philadelphia Probate Court Handles
The Register of Wills / Orphans’ Court handles probate and estate matters under Pennsylvania law.
- Probating wills
- Executor appointments
- Estate administration
- Guardianships
- Trust disputes
- Inheritance-related proceedings
The court ensures lawful transfer of assets and protection of beneficiaries.
❓ FAQs (Search-Intent Optimized)
How do I search Philadelphia Probate Court cases?
Use Philadelphia court online search tools using name or docket number.
How do I get probate records in Philadelphia?
Request copies from the Register of Wills office.
Are probate records public in Philadelphia?
Many are public unless sealed or confidential.
Can I view probate documents online?
Some docket details may be online, but certified records require request.
What does Philadelphia Probate Court handle?
Wills, estates, guardianships, and inheritance matters.
What is the difference between case search and records?
Case search shows summaries; records include official filed documents.