Register of Wills

A register of wills, also known as a Probate Court in some states, is an official government office responsible for overseeing the Probate process and maintaining records related to Last Will and Testaments, Estates, and the distribution of Assets upon a person's death.

This office operates within a jurisdiction, such as a county or a similar administrative division, and its primary role is to ensure the proper Administration of Estates and the enforcement of probate laws.

The specific duties and structure of the register of wills office vary by state. In some, the office may be separate from the court system, while in others, it may be a division of local courts.

The responsibilities of a register of wills can include:

Probate Process: Managing the process of proving the authenticity of wills and granting authority to Executors or Administrators to manage and distribute the deceased person's estate.

Estate Administration: Overseeing the proper administration of estates, including ensuring that Debts and taxes are settled, and assets are distributed according to the will or applicable Intestacy laws if the deceased had not created a will prior to their death.

Record Keeping: Maintaining records of wills, estate inventories, petitions, and other legal documents related to probate proceedings.

Court Hearings: Conducting hearings and court proceedings related to the validation of wills, appointment of executors or administrators, and other probate matters.

Notice: Ensuring that interested parties, such as Beneficiaries and Heirs, receive proper legal notice about probate proceedings.

Guardianship: Some registers of wills also handle matters related to Guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults.