Philadelphia County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Guide
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas · Register of Wills and Orphans' Court information · Updated May 2026
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Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in Philadelphia County.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingPennsylvania Division of Vital Records
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Deposit the Will
If there's a will, the original will often needs to be filed with the Philadelphia County Register of Wills and Orphans' Courtbefore probate can move forward. Verify the local deadline before submitting anything.
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than your state's small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate through the Register of Wills. If no will exists, it's estate administration through the Register of Wills.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require Register of Wills or Orphans' Court administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
County filing checklist
Philadelphia County probate filing checklist
Use this checklist to confirm the local Pennsylvania Register of Wills and Orphans' Court, compare common probate paths, gather starting documents, and verify county packet instructions before filing. This is an informational checklist, not legal advice, a court-approved packet, or a replacement for county filing-office instructions.
Where to verify locally
- Register of Wills and Orphans' Court
- Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division
- Clerk
- Philadelphia Register of Wills
- Address
- City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Phone
- (215) 686-2230
Starting documents to verify
Statewide starting documents
- County Register of Wills probate or administration petition packet (County ROW packet)
- Certified death certificate
- Original will and codicils if applicable
- Petition details for letters
- Renunciations, consents, or bond papers if applicable
- Short certificate or certified-copy request if applicable
Filing fees and deadlines
Filing fees
- Philadelphia County probate is graduated on the estate value, and the total probate fee (which bundles the base fee, family-court tax, filing fees, inventory, inheritance tax, and the state Judicial Computer Project fee) runs from about $174 (estates up to $250) to $370 ($10,001 to $50,000), $475 ($50,001 to $200,000), $685 ($300,001 to $400,000), and $1,315 for the first $1,000,000, plus about $90 for each additional $100,000. A short certificate is $10. Confirm current amounts on the county fee schedule. Source: Philadelphia Register of Wills probate and estate services fee schedule.
Deadlines
- Creditor claims period: 12 months.
Official links and help
Not sure probate is required for this estate? Start with the free assessment.
Check if probate is neededChecklist details combine county source links with Pennsylvania statutory and state-default source records.
This informational filing guide is not legal advice or a court-approved packet. Confirm final instructions, forms, fees, and filing options with the listed official sources before filing.
Other Topics That May Apply
Sources (8)
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/register-of-wills/
- https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/death-probate-and-inheritances/begin-the-probate-process-with-a-will/
- https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/death-probate-and-inheritances/begin-the-probate-process-without-a-will/
- https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/death-probate-and-inheritances/request-probate-records/
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/register-of-wills/resources/
- https://secureprod.phila.gov/row/
- https://www.courts.phila.gov/common-pleas/orphans/
- https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/20/00.031.002.000..HTM
You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.
A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.
See how to avoid probate in PennsylvaniaVerified against Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas - Orphans' Court Division on May 16, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Pennsylvania can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.