Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Probate in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County probate filings are heard at the Philadelphia courthouse under Pennsylvania law (20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3101 et seq. (Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code)). The process below applies statewide; specific court fees and forms are available from the Philadelphia County Clerk.
Philadelphia County probate at a glance
- County seat
- Philadelphia
- Court
- Register of Wills; Orphans' Court Division for contested matters
- Population (est.)
- 1,550,542
- Typical timeline
- 36–78 weeks
- Filing fee
- $150–$1000
- Small-estate threshold
- $50,000
- Statute
- 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3101 et seq. (Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code)
For exact fees + forms, check the Philadelphia County Clerk’s office or the state source: www.pacourts.us.
Pennsylvania probate, step by step
- 1File petition for probate with the Register of Wills
- 2Register grants letters testamentary or of administration
- 3Advertise grant of letters in newspaper and legal journal
- 4File inventory within nine months and pay PA inheritance tax
- 5File account with Orphans' Court or family settlement agreement and distribute
Protect your family from another probate — get a free life insurance quote
Most Pennsylvania Philadelphia County families never plan ahead. A 30-second quote from a licensed agent costs nothing and could save your heirs months of probate court.
Other Pennsylvania counties
This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.