Search Kent County Probate and Estate Records

This page helps users handle a probate search in Kent County, Delaware, by explaining how to use the Kent County Estate Search and when to contact the Register of Wills Office for more detail.

Use the online estate search to confirm whether an estate file exists. For deeper file details, page counts, copies, or unclear results, the Register of Wills Office handles follow-up requests.

Kent County Estate Search

The search for an estate file is the main public search path for locating estate file information in Kent County. The search is used only to identify that a file exists. It does not show whether the file was opened for probate or non-probate purposes.

Have the person’s name ready before you search.

• Last name
• First name

After entering the name, review the results carefully and open the matching estate file folder when available.

• Enter the last name and first name.
• Select Search.
• Click the folder for the estate you want to review.
• Check the available details before deciding whether to request more information.

Important: A search result confirms that an estate file exists; it does not by itself confirm the probate status of that file.

Estate search request form

If the online result does not answer your question, submit the Estate Search Request Form to ask the Register of Wills for additional estate information.

The form supports requests for available details such as estate status, attorney information, personal representative information, last date to file a claim, and case number.

For a staff search, the form states that a check payable to the Register of Wills should be enclosed for $5.00, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Page counts for copies are not provided over the phone without a completed Estate Search Request.

Register of Wills records and probate role

The Kent County Register of Wills Office records wills after death and maintains documents related to estate matters in Kent County. The office also oversees appointments of personal representatives and administers estate proceedings.

Estate matters are maintained as permanent records. Older estate records may be stored on microfiche or microfilm, while more recent estates may be kept as paper files.

A will filed for a decedent becomes a public record. Copies of wills and estate documents can be ordered through the Register of Wills Office, with fees depending on the type of copy and number of pages.

Opening or reviewing a probate estate

Appointments are needed to open or close an estate. After a Deputy reviews paperwork, the office contacts the requester to schedule an appointment and explain required fees.

For estate openings in person, the office lists several items to bring or send when applicable:

• Original death certificate
• Original will, if one exists
• Estimated value of assets solely owned by the decedent as of date of death
• Estimated value of real estate solely owned by the decedent as of date of death
• List of next of kin with full name, relationship, and address including ZIP code
• Valid driver’s license, or passport if not a U.S. citizen

For estate openings by mail, the office lists the original death certificate, original will if one exists, case information sheet, renunciations if required, and a copy of valid identification.

Common probate search fees

The Register of Wills fee schedule includes these common probate search and copy-related fees:

Kent County Register of Wills contact

Contact the Register of Wills Office for estate file questions, probate appointments, page counts, and copy requests.

• Kent County Register of Wills Office, Kent County Levy Court Administrative Complex, 555 Bay Road, 2nd Floor, Rm. 214, Dover, DE 19901
  Phone: (302) 744-2330
  Email: [email protected]
  Walk-in hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  Phone hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.