Oklahoma County Probate Records

In Oklahoma County, probate records are official documents generated when the Oklahoma County District Court Probate Division handles the distribution of a decedent's estate. These records usually include estate inventories, wills, letters of administration, and other documents related to the settlement of the estate. Probate records give members of the public insightful information about a decedent's debts, assets, heirs, and family relationships. They are typically used for genealogical research, verifying inheritance, resolving estate disputes, and other legal matters. Like other Oklahoma county court records, these documents may be made available to interested and eligible members of the public per state law.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Probate records are public according to the Oklahoma Open Records Act. These documents become part of public records immediately after filing with the Oklahoma County District Court Probate Division. However, some probate records are deemed confidential and restricted to a selected few. For example, the Division will not release guardianship, adoptions, and mental health records to members of the public.

What is Probate Court in Oklahoma County?

The Oklahoma CountyDistrict Court Probate Division is the equivalent of the county probate court in Oklahoma County. The division handles probate matters including cases relating to adults' and children's personal and financial affairs. Some examples of such cases include:

• Trust administration petitions
• Disputes about trusts, wills, and powers of attorney
• Review and accounting of guardians and conservators
• The handling and distribution of a deceased person's estate
• The appointment of conservatorships for incapacitated adults and guardianships for children

The Division opens for business Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the address below:

Oklahoma County Annex Building
320 Robert S. Kerr Avenue
409 County Office Bldg.
OKC, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 713-1705

Probate Court Case Lookup

The Oklahoma CountyCourt Clerk provides two options for members of the public to access their records: online and in person. The first option is online, which requires submitting a Request Records Form or using the OSCN Docket Search tool. Users can request copies of probate records through the electronic Request Records Form for a fee of $1 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page. Certified copies cost 50 cents for each document. The processing time is 10 business days. However, record seekers who want to view probate records can do so for free via the OSCN Docket Search tool. The search criteria are case number, party name, and case date range.

Alternatively, Oklahoma County probate records can be accessed by querying the Probate Department of the court in person. Requestors may visit the office during weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a record of interest.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Individuals can find probate records online for free on the OSCN Docket Search portal. To perform the search, they must provide a case number, party name, or case date range. The Oklahoma History Society also has an Online Portal where members of the public can search probate records from Oklahoma County without charges. Users should enter a first or last name in the appropriate search box to view the desired record. Users must know that free online search platforms only return limited probate information. Those seeking copies or detailed probate information should use the electronic Request Records Form or visit the Oklahoma County Court Clerk Probate Division in person. However, this service will likely attract a fee.

How Long Does Probate Take in Oklahoma

Numerous factors determine the duration of probates in Oklahoma, such as the size of the estate, the number of parties involved, the types of assets owned by the estate, and whether anyone contests the proceedings. Generally, simple probates can take about 2 to 3 months, but complicated ones can take over a year.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. Wills are publicly available after they go through probate. This means anyone can view or copy a will once it has been filed with the Oklahoma County District Court Probate Division. A will typically reveals the name of the people or organization the testator wishes to receive their property when they die. It may also cover the testator's personal and real properties.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

Individuals can visit or contact the probate court in the county where the deceased resided to determine if their will is on file. Court staff will require the deceased's name and relevant documentation to process the request. Some probate courts offer online databases where users can access probate information for free. Alternatively, a statewide search can be conducted through the U.S. Will Registry portal using the requester's and the deceased's information. Other ways to locate a will include consulting the deceased person's attorney, searching their home, checking their safe deposit box, or asking family members.

Oklahoma County Family Court Case Search

The Oklahoma District Court Family Division has jurisdiction over cases involving legal separation, dissolution of marriage, domestic violence, nullity, and paternity-related issues like child support, spousal support, custody, and marital property. Most of these records are available to the public, but some have privacy limitations. Examples of confidential family court records are adoption and paternity-related cases.

Record seekers can obtain copies of family court case records online or in person at the Court Clerk's Office. This service costs $1 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page, and $0.50 for each certified document. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order. Requesters must complete the Records Request Form to submit requests electronically. Those who prefer in-person requests should visit the Clerk's Office Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The staff will provide them with a form to complete. The desired record will be made available after the copy fees are paid.

Individuals who do not want copies of family court records can view them online through the OSCN Docket Search portal. The search parameters for using the portal are case number and party name. Users can filter their searches by case type and case date range.