How Can I Obtain a Copy of an Estate File in North Carolina? - Pennsylvania
The Short Answer
If you need a copy of an estate file for a Pennsylvania matter, you can usually request copies directly from the Pennsylvania Register of Wills (for documents filed with the Register) and, where applicable, the Orphans’ Court (for court filings). In many situations, you can obtain either plain copies or certified copies, depending on what you need the documents for.
What Pennsylvania Law Says
In Pennsylvania, the Register of Wills maintains probate records and papers filed with the Register. State law authorizes the Register to provide certified copies of records, papers filed, or proceedings upon request and payment of the required fee—often the type of copy you need for banks, title companies, or out-of-state proceedings.
The Statute
The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 923.
This statute establishes that the Register of Wills must make and certify true copies of records, papers filed, or proceedings upon request and payment of the fee, and that certified copies are admissible as evidence like the original.
If your underlying issue involves an estate file located in another state (like North Carolina), you may also need properly authenticated copies for use in Pennsylvania proceedings, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Pennsylvania law addresses the use of authenticated copies of wills and probate records from outside Pennsylvania in certain circumstances. See, for example, 20 Pa.C.S. § 3136.
Related reading: How Can I Get a Copy of a Will in Pennsylvania? and How Do I Confirm Whether an Estate Is Open and Get Probate Filings in Pennsylvania?.
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: If you are requesting documents to meet a court deadline (or to respond to a citation, petition, or claim), delays in obtaining certified or authenticated records can affect your options.
- Burden of Proof: Many third parties (banks, insurers, title companies, and courts) will reject informal copies and require certified copies, exemplifications, or other authentication—especially when records are being used across state lines.
- Exceptions: Some filings may be restricted or require a showing of proper interest, and multi-state estates can raise questions about which court has jurisdiction and what must be filed in Pennsylvania versus the other state.
Trying to handle this alone can lead to rejected filings, delays in distributing assets, or unnecessary disputes among heirs and beneficiaries. A probate attorney can quickly identify what documents you need (and in what form) and coordinate requests with the correct office.
Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney
Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened Probate attorney in Pennsylvania to discuss your specific facts and options.
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.