Pennsylvania probate guide

Probate process in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania probate is opened with the county Register of Wills, and the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas hears contested matters. Filing fees vary widely by county and scale by estate value — Montgomery County is roughly $175-$350, Allegheny County higher. The simplified procedure for estates of $50,000 or less in personal property is available under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102. Pennsylvania does NOT have a real-property TOD deed statute and imposes a state inheritance tax.

Pennsylvania probate at a glance

Court
Register of Wills; Orphans' Court Division for contested matters
Typical timeline
36–78 weeks
Filing fee
$150–$1000
Small-estate threshold
$50,000
TOD deed allowed?
No
Bond required by default?
Yes (unless waived)
Statute
20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3101 et seq. (Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code)

Source: www.pacourts.us. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.

How Pennsylvania probate works, step by step

  1. 1File petition for probate with the Register of Wills
  2. 2Register grants letters testamentary or of administration
  3. 3Advertise grant of letters in newspaper and legal journal
  4. 4File inventory within nine months and pay PA inheritance tax
  5. 5File account with Orphans' Court or family settlement agreement and distribute

Probate by county in Pennsylvania

Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 9 Pennsylvania counties:

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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.