Good News Everyone, the Register of Wills of Philadelphia Office, which has been shut down since March 16th, will offer virtual operations of both probate and marriage licenses starting Monday, April 13th, 2020.
According to the Register, the services will be on an “emergency basis” and will be provided according to the criteria established by the Register of Wills office. So far, Console Matison has reached out to the office regarding a couple of our files and have been given the go-ahead to move forward to setting up the virtual ‘swearing in’ of the Estate representatives. At this time, an attorney is required in this process. Philadelphia Register of Wills Virtual Probate guidelines are attached here
According to the Register, services will only be available via video conference. Individuals must have a smart device or computer with video conferencing capabilities in order to take advantage of these services. If you or your clients do not have these, Console Matison will make sure we help accommodate you to get this process rolling.
This is a major positive step, and one that will (hopefully) stick after all this is over. The Register of Wills office, along with its Orphans’ Court and Marriage Services divisions will remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic to walk-in traffic. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a probate, reach out to my office at (267) 603-2493 or [email protected]. Sincerely, Joseph Console, your favorite Pennsylvania and New Jersey real estate attorney.