Use This County Probate Reference Before You File
This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, clerk contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Philadelphia County.
Local Fee Schedule
Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.
Court Rules and Orders
Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.
Clerk and Filing Logistics
Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.
Philadelphia County Probate Court Guide
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas probate court information · Updated May 2026
Filing & Fees
Fee Schedule Signals
Source ↗Probate Filing Fees
Specific fee amounts are not available for this county. Use the Philadelphia Register of Wills resources page and current fee schedule before quoting a filing total. Fees vary by filing type, estate value, copy requests, and related petitions.
Use the Philadelphia Register of Wills resources page and current fee schedule before quoting a filing total. Fees vary by filing type, estate value, copy requests, and related petitions.
Required Documents
- County Register of Wills probate or administration petition packet(County ROW packet)
Opening forms are county-specific. Use the current Register of Wills packet for the county where probate or administration is being opened.
- Certified death certificate
Registers of Wills commonly require a certified death certificate for opening letters; confirm copy count and accepted format with the county office.
- Renunciations, consents, or bond papers
Whether these are needed depends on the will, priority to serve, bond requirements, and county packet instructions.
- Short certificate or certified-copy request
Request after appointment when banks, title companies, agencies, or other holders need certified proof of authority.
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Records portal
Use this county-linked source to check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.
Official Register of Wills search surface. Use as a lookup aid; confirm certified copies and record completeness with the Register of Wills.
Timelines & Proceedings
Deadlines & Creditor Claims
Key Deadlines
- Will Deposit
- 0 days
- Creditor Claims
- 12 months
- Known Creditor Notice
- 60 days
Creditor Claims
- Period Starts
- first complete advertisement of grant of letters
- Statute
- 20 Pa.C.S. Section 3532
Publication Requirements
Related Proceedings
Property Recording
Source ↗Philadelphia Department of Revenue
Use Philadelphia Tax Services to look up city tax balances and payment context; verify estate-specific transfer issues separately.
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