Are probate records public?

Generally yes. Probate filings are usually public court records, meaning financial information, asset inventories, creditor claims, and beneficiary information may become accessible to others. For many families, especially those with significant wealth, business interests, rental properties, or privacy concerns, this public exposure is a major disadvantage of probate.

One reason many individuals utilize living trusts is to help keep family and financial matters private after death. Privacy concerns are often even greater in blended families or high-net-worth estates.