How to Find Probate Records Online

Probate is the process of proving a will left by an individual. The individual is called a decedent in the legal language of probate administration and estate planning. The decedent is the deceased individual. If a will was not left by a decedent, then that decedent is said to have died intestate or without a will. During and after a probate proceeding has taken place, you may have some need to read the will or find out about other aspects of the probate proceeding. Here’s what you need to know about finding probate records online.

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Where Are Probate Records Located?

Most probate records are maintained by the probate court or a similar court in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death. Depending on the state, these records may be handled by a probate, surrogate’s, chancery or circuit court. Because probate is administered at the local level, knowing the decedent’s county of residence is often the first step in locating the appropriate records.

Many state and county courts provide online access to probate case information through searchable court portals. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to search by the decedent’s name, case number or filing date to find information about an estate. Some courts allow users to view or download documents online, while others only provide case summaries or require an in-person records request for complete files.

Older probate records are often transferred to state archives, local historical societies or government record repositories for long-term preservation. Many of these organizations have digitized at least part of their collections, making historical probate files available through searchable online databases. Availability varies widely based on the age of the records and the jurisdiction that maintains them.

Genealogy and public records websites have also digitized millions of probate records from courts and archives across the United States. These databases can be especially helpful when researching older estates or tracing family history, although their collections may not be comprehensive or include the most recent probate filings. When possible, it’s a good idea to verify information obtained through third-party sources against the official court record.

Here are some steps to follow to find probate documents:

Determine the date of death as close as possible.
Determine the place of death. The decedent may have died in a location away from where they lived. For example, if you know the city where the person lived, you may have to do a search to look up the county.
Check with the county clerk to determine which court or other entity handled probate at the time and place of the decedent’s death.
Determine where the surviving records are stored and whether they are available online. The county clerk may be able to tell you that.
Search the court or other entity records both before and for a time period after the death of the decedent. You may find probably actions filed years after the date of death.

Are Probate Records Available to the Public?

Yes, probate records are generally public documents, meaning most people can access them once a case has been filed with the court. These records include key details about a deceased person’s estate, such as the will (if one exists), the names of heirs and beneficiaries, the executor’s information, and an inventory of assets and debts. Because probate is a legal process overseen by the court, transparency is required to ensure that the estate is settled fairly and according to the law.

A probate file typically contains a wide range of documents, from the original will and death certificate to petitions, inventories, and final accounting statements. It may also include court orders and correspondence between the executor and the court. These records allow anyone with an interest in the estate (such as heirs, creditors or legal representatives) to verify that the estate is being administered properly.

You can usually view the name of the attorney, the name of the executor of the estate, the name of the judge presiding over the case and a complete list of the types of documents filed with the estate. Since you will know what is available, you will know what to ask for when you either submit the proper forms online or call the county clerk’s office for the records.

While probate records are public, certain information may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy. For example, Social Security numbers, account numbers, or sensitive financial details are usually removed. In rare cases, a court may restrict access to parts of the file, such as when minors are involved, or if releasing information could create a security or privacy concern.

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Other Methods to Access Probate Records

If probate records aren’t available online, visiting the county courthouse where the estate was filed is often the most direct way to access them. The probate or circuit court clerk can help you locate the case file by name, case number or date of death. You can usually review the documents in person or request certified copies for a small fee. This method is especially helpful for older cases that haven’t been digitized.

Calling or emailing the clerk of court’s office is another effective way to obtain probate information. Clerks can confirm whether the case is public, explain the process for requesting records, and tell you what forms or identification may be required. Some counties allow you to order copies of probate files by mail if you can’t visit in person.

For estates that were settled many years ago, the records may have been transferred to a state archive or regional records center. These institutions often maintain historical probate records and can provide digital or microfilm copies upon request. Searching state archives can be particularly valuable for genealogical research or verifying long-term property transfers.

Several third-party websites also compile probate and estate records from public sources. These databases can make it easier to search across multiple counties or states, though they may charge access fees or have limited document availability. Always verify the accuracy of any third-party information by cross-checking it with the official court record.

Bottom Line

Not all probate records are available online, but many are. You first have to isolate the date of death and place of death of the decedent to locate in what county and state that the probate records may be located. Then, you check with the county clerk’s office and find out what does exist online. If you can’t find online probate records through the courthouse, then you may want to use a service like Family Search Database or Ancestry.

Tips for Estate Planning

There are some basic points you need to cover when you write a will. It might be best to talk with a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
If you want to set up and plan your retirement goals, SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can help you figure out how much you will need to save to retire comfortably.
Make a will, or other estate planning document. You will save your family so much time, energy and grief. You can even make your own will for free.