What is a Register of Wills?

A register of wills is an elected position that is held in only three states, but even in the states that have the position, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania, it is not commonly understood what this public official does. Here are some key job functions of this public office:

• In charge of public administrative duties of the probate process
• Assists individuals with opening an estate
• Holds wills of living individuals
• Maintains original copy of wills on file

See Lejla Sarcevic, Register of Wills: Maryland’s Most Misunderstood Job?, Capital News Service, Sept. 26, 2014.