Overview
Allegheny County is the second-most-populous county in Pennsylvania and home to Pittsburgh. The Allegheny County Register of Wills, part of the Department of Court Records — Wills/Orphans' Court Division, handles probate of wills, granting of Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Pennsylvania probate law offers several pathways. Estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Larger estates require formal probate through the Register of Wills. Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax — 0% for surviving spouses, 4.5% for lineal descendants, 12% for siblings, and 15% for other beneficiaries.
The Allegheny County Wills/Orphans' Court Division is located in the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. The Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles contested matters, formal accountings, and guardianship proceedings.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Allegheny County probate process. It is not legal advice. Laws and local procedures may change, so verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Allegheny County Register of Wills
The Allegheny County Register of Wills is part of the Department of Court Records — Wills/Orphans' Court Division, located in the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh.
Address: City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, First Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-4180
Website: alleghenycounty.us/Government/Court-Related/Wills-and-Orphans
Email: wo@alleghenycounty.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The office provides information about probate procedures, filing requirements, and fee calculations. Staff can assist with general questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
The City-County Building is located in downtown Pittsburgh near Grant Street. Paid parking garages are available nearby. The building is accessible via Port Authority bus routes and the T light rail (Steel Plaza station). Visitors should plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Estate Pathway
Assess which filing is appropriate:
- Formal Probate (Testate): File a Petition for Probate when there is a valid will. The Register of Wills grants Letters Testamentary.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no will. The surviving spouse or next of kin may petition.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates with $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate). Allows simplified collection of assets.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Original will and any codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed Petition for Probate or Petition for Letters of Administration
- Photo identification for the petitioner
- Filing fee payment
- List of beneficiaries and next of kin with addresses
Step 3: File with the Register of Wills
File in person at the City-County Building, First Floor. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Short certificates are issued for use with banks and financial institutions.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate (grant of Letters) once a week for three successive weeks in the Pittsburgh Legal Journal (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation. This is recommended to start the statute of limitations on creditor claims.
Step 5: Inventory, Tax, and Administration
File an Inventory within 9 months of death. File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months). Pay valid debts, distribute assets, and close the estate through a formal accounting or Family Settlement Agreement.
Local Requirements
Allegheny County-Specific Procedures
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Pittsburgh Legal Journal (the designated legal journal for Allegheny County) and one newspaper of general circulation, once a week for three successive weeks.
- Short certificates are issued by the Register of Wills and used to access bank accounts and transfer assets.
- PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) must be filed within 9 months of death, with a 5% discount for payment within 3 months.
- Inventory must be filed within 9 months of death.
- Probate fees are published on the Allegheny County website.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Rates
- 0% — Surviving spouse
- 4.5% — Lineal descendants and lineal ancestors
- 12% — Siblings
- 15% — All other transferees
Bond Requirements
Bond may be required for the personal representative. The will may waive bond. For intestate estates, bond is generally required. The Register of Wills sets the bond amount based on the value of personal property.
Family Settlement Agreements
Allegheny County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution. This is a common alternative to formal court accountings.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Allegheny County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350 depending on estate value
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: varies
- Certified Copies: varies by document
Fees are set by the Allegheny County Department of Court Records and may be updated. Contact the office at (412) 350-4180 or visit the website for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the Register of Wills office for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline is driven by the 9-month inventory and inheritance tax filing deadlines and the creditor notice period.
Local Resources
Allegheny County Register of Wills Resources
- Wills/Orphans' Court Division: alleghenycounty.us/Wills-and-Orphans
- Probate Fees: alleghenycounty.us/Wills-and-Orphans/Probating-Wills/Probate-Fees
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
- PA Unified Judicial System — Register of Wills: pacourts.us
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Neighborhood Legal Services Association: (412) 255-6700 — free legal assistance for qualifying individuals
- Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (412) 261-5555
- Elder Law of Pittsburgh: Offers estate administration guidance
Publication
- Pittsburgh Legal Journal: (412) 261-6255 — Allegheny County's designated legal journal for estate notices
- Contact the Pittsburgh Legal Journal for publication rates and scheduling