Legal Definitions - register of wills

A register of wills is a government official who records probated wills, issues letters testamentary and letters of administration, and serves generally as the clerk of the probate court. They exist only in some states.

• In Pennsylvania, the Register of Wills is responsible for overseeing the probate process and maintaining records of wills and estates.
• In Maryland, the Register of Wills is responsible for appointing personal representatives, collecting inheritance taxes, and maintaining records of wills and estates.

These examples illustrate how the register of wills is a government official who handles the legal process of probating wills and maintaining records of estates.