July 2026

The Register's Message: John P. Sabatina, Esq.

The celebration is finally here! After great anticipation and planning, our nation's 250th birthday is upon us. I sincerely hope all Philadelphians and everyone across this great country of ours take the opportunity to reflect upon the many liberties that independence guarantees for us.

In the United States, we are free to express our viewpoints, practice our religion of choice, and raise our families. We are also free to pass our legacies to our children, grandchildren, and anyone else we choose in the form of inheritances.

At the Philadelphia Register of Wills Office, we refer to this idea as "generational wealth"; and we are laser-focused on helping people preserve their hard-earned assets for future generations.

Never a day passes when we don't encourage constituents to make a will and keep it updated whenever their life circumstances change. This is the most basic way you can ensure your money and your home go to your chosen heirs after your passing. Otherwise, the state will make these decisions, and they may not agree with your wishes.

Making a will doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. For those on fixed incomes, our

office can provide you with a list of organizations that provide will preparation services for free.

It doesn't matter how wealthy or poor you are, or how large or small your family may be. A proper will takes all of that into account and allows you the final say on how you want things to be after you're gone.

Do yourself and your loved ones a great service this Independence Day. Make a will and keep it updated.

Rosie Marie Crisp (center) holding her new deed with Register of Wills John Sabatina (second from right), Title Clearance Unit Director Myasia Williams (far right), and staff for City Councilmember Cindy Bass.

For some people, homeownership is all about financial benefits. But to Rose Marie Crisp, it means so much more. For her, owning a home is about independence and freedom; the ability to personalize her living space and take care of her family.

Until recently, Ms. Crisp could only dream of having a place to call her own. That was until she contacted the Title Clearance Unit (TCU) at the Philadelphia Register of Wills office, which helped her get a new deed for the West Oak Lane rowhome she inherited from her life partner three years ago.

“This is my first home. (In the past) I either had an apartment, a room, or I lived with people. I never had something that I could call mine,” Ms. Crisp says. “I am so blessed that I got a chance to see what it feels like to be a homeowner.”

Title Clearance Unit by the Numbers

Titles Cleared by Council District

ROW Podcast Helps Preserve Family Legacies

"Thy Will Be Done" helps listeners take informed steps today to ensure their family's future. Listen to our entire catalog of episodes on demand via iHeart, Apple, and other major podcast platforms.

Register of Wills in the Community

Each day, the Public Engagement team from the Register of Wills Office visits neighborhoods throughout the city to inform Philadelphians about the importance of having a will and the often-challenging process of resolving a deceased loved one's estate. We are committed to helping you in your time of need and providing you information you can use today. If you would like us to visit your organization or participate in an event, contact us at rowonline@phila.gov.