Wills & Estates

Phone: 302-744-2330

Registrar@kentcountyde.gov

The Register of Wills Office records wills after death and other documents pertaining to estate matters in Kent County, Delaware. The Office is responsible for overseeing the appointments of personal representatives and for administering estate proceedings. This office is also held accountable for making sure that the estate is in compliance with the Delaware law and Kent County policies. All estate matters are maintained as permanent records.

What to do when a loved one passes away? (brochure)(PDF, 271KB)
Transfer of Property Upon Death Notice(PDF, 101KB)
CURRENT REGISTER'S ORDER
HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Appointments are necessary to open an estate, and to close the estate. You may call (302) 744-2330 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

For Estate openings - you will need to bring with you:

  • Original Will; if one exists
  • Original Death Certificate
  • List of assets solely owned by decedent with estimated values as of date of death.
  • estimated value of Real Estate solely owned by decedent as of date of death.
  • list of decedent's next of kin stating their full name, relationship and address including zip code.
FORMS
Customer Information Sheet(PDF, 192KB) - This is a form all attorneys are required to file with FileandservExpress when they submit paperwork to open and estate.  It is only used by attorneys at this time.
Will Search Affidavit (PDF, 132KB)- A written statement swearing that the personal representative has conducted a thorough search to locate an original will.
Petition(PDF, 337KB) - A written request to be appointed to act as the personal representative (executor/administrator) for an estate.
Renunciation(PDF, 131KB) - Used to renounce (give up) your right to act as personal representative for an estate (this does not give up a right to any inheritance). 
  • In order to give up a right to an inheritance, a Disclaimer must be filed with the Recorder of Deeds and subsequently filed with our office. Our office does nothave a form for this document.  We recommend hiring an attorney to prepare the Disclaimer. 
Extension Request(PDF, 73KB) - Used to request an extension to file the Inventory and/or Accounting. 
Register of Will Fees Schedule Effective 5/30/2024(PDF, 42KB)

 

 

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