Overview
Armstrong County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 63,679. The Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Pennsylvania probate is governed by Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (PEF Code). The process begins with filing a Petition for Grant of Letters to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
For estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), a simplified Small Estate Petition may be filed to settle the estate without full administration.
Probate fees in Armstrong County are based on the value of the estate. Pennsylvania also has an inheritance tax that must be paid within 9 months of death to avoid interest. Executor and attorney fees must be reasonable and are often subject to court review if challenged.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Armstrong County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court
Probate matters in Armstrong County are handled at the Armstrong County Courthouse.
Address: 500 E. Market Street, Suite 102, Kittanning, PA 16201
Phone: (724) 548-3220 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Note: Appointments are required for estate matters. Please call ahead to schedule.
The Register of Wills is located on the first floor of the historic courthouse in downtown Kittanning.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse square (Market Street). There are also public parking lots nearby. Security screening is required upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified process.
- Probate of Will Only: If there are no assets to administer but the will needs to be placed on record.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Grant of Letters with the Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Death Certificate
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (approx. $250+, varies by estate value)
- Renunciations from other heirs (if applicable)
In-person filing is standard in Armstrong County. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, as appointments are required for estate matters.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and receiving Letters, you must:
- Mail notice of estate administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 3 months of the grant of letters (PA Rule 10.5).
- Publish notice in the Armstrong County Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Leader Times) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For standard probate (Grant of Letters), a hearing is typically not required unless there is a dispute. The Register of Wills can often grant letters immediately upon review of the petition and documents.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate to notify creditors (statutory claim period is 1 year).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months.
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a final accounting or a Family Settlement Agreement to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Armstrong County-Specific Procedures
- Armstrong County Legal Journal: Publication in this specific legal journal is mandatory for all estates.
- Bond Requirements: Out-of-state personal representatives and administrators of intestate estates generally must post a bond unless excused by the will or the court.
- Local Court Rules: Armstrong County follows the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rules, with specific local practices for scheduling and motions.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Armstrong County for three consecutive weeks.
- Appointments Required: The Register of Wills requires appointments for estate matters. Call (724) 548-3220 to schedule.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current fee schedule and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Armstrong County)
- Grant of Letters: approximately $250 (varies by estate value)
- Probate of Will Only: approximately $50
- Short Certificates: approximately $10 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- JCS/ATJ Fees: approx. $40.25 (state judicial fees)
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Register of Wills for the exact amount based on the estimated estate value.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may not be accepted or may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The timeline is heavily influenced by the 9-month deadline for the PA Inheritance Tax Return and the 1-year creditor claim period.
Local Resources
Armstrong County Court Resources
- Court Website: co.armstrong.pa.us
- Probate Self-Help: PA Courts Public Records
- PA Probate Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- MidPenn Legal Services: (800) 326-9177 — Legal aid for qualifying low-income residents.
- PA Bar Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- Armstrong County Legal Journal: (724) 543-2500 — Official legal publication.
- The Leader Times: (724) 543-1303 — General circulation newspaper.