Citation and Preliminary Decree

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 1, 2026
First page of Citation and Preliminary Decree

Working through the Citation and Preliminary Decree? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

About Citation and Preliminary Decree

This document cites respondents to show cause why a copy of a decedent's Last Will and Testament should not be admitted to probate, and establishes preliminary service procedures.

When you'd use it: When a petition to admit a will to probate is filed and the Register of Wills must issue notice to interested parties to allow them to contest the admission of the will.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Citation and Preliminary Decree is published as a PDF by the Pennsylvania courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Citation and Preliminary Decree (PDF) →

Source: monroecountypa.gov

Link last checked: May 30, 2026

How to file Citation and Preliminary Decree in Pennsylvania

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Citation and Preliminary Decree when when a petition to admit a will to probate is filed and the Register of Wills must issue notice to interested parties to allow them to contest the admission of the will. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Pennsylvania probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Citation and Preliminary Decree carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Citation and Preliminary Decree to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Pennsylvania county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Citation and Preliminary Decree? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Pennsylvania

See the full Pennsylvania probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Pennsylvania probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citation and Preliminary Decree?
This document cites respondents to show cause why a copy of a decedent's Last Will and Testament should not be admitted to probate, and establishes preliminary service procedures. You'd typically use it when when a petition to admit a will to probate is filed and the Register of Wills must issue notice to interested parties to allow them to contest the admission of the will.
Where do I file Citation and Preliminary Decree in Pennsylvania?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Pennsylvania county where the deceased person lived. Our Pennsylvania probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Citation and Preliminary Decree?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Citation and Preliminary Decree available online?
Most Pennsylvania probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Pennsylvania Probate Forms

Citation and Preliminary DecreeNotice of Intention to Appeal From RegisterRW-6InventoryRW-09Small Estates Affidavit

Need help with Pennsylvania probate?

  • Personalized to your assets, heirs, and jurisdiction
  • Deadlines calculated from your date of death
  • Track progress and store documents in one place
Get step-by-step help

Free — no credit card required

Informational guidance only — not legal advice

Find the other Pennsylvania probate forms you'll need →

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.