Overview
Beaver County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 165,540. 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 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries 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 smaller estates, Pennsylvania offers a simplified procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This involves filing a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate. Additionally, certain assets up to $10,000 may be released directly to eligible family members without formal probate under specific circumstances.
Beaver County operates as a fee office, meaning specific charges apply for each service. The fee schedule is tiered based on the value of the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Beaver 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 Beaver County are handled at the Beaver County Courthouse.
Address: 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-770-4550 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills is located on the first floor of the courthouse. Appointments are often required for new probates, so it is recommended to call ahead.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the Third Street Courthouse Garage located adjacent to the courthouse. There is also metered street parking available in the surrounding area. The courthouse has security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate (excluding real estate) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate.
- Direct Payment: Financial institutions may release up to $10,000 in assets directly to eligible family members without court proceedings (Section 3101).
- 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 Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (check or money order)
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
Beaver County may require an appointment for the initial filing.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (Rule 10.5 Notice) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 3 months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in the Beaver County Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Beaver County Times) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For standard probate, a formal hearing is usually not required unless there is a dispute. The Register of Wills reviews the documents and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate grant to notify creditors
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Status Report or formal account to close the estate
Local Requirements
Beaver County-Specific Procedures
- Appointments: The Register of Wills often requires appointments for opening new estates. Call 724-770-4550 to schedule.
- Advertising: Estate notices must be published in the Beaver County Legal Journal and a general circulation newspaper like the Beaver County Times.
- Forms: Many local forms are available on the Beaver County Register of Wills website.
- Inheritance Tax: The Register of Wills acts as the agent for the PA Department of Revenue for collecting inheritance tax.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Beaver County)
- Probate / Grant of Letters: Varies by estate value (e.g., estates $50k-$100k typically ~$300-$400 range; check current schedule).
- JCP / Automation Fees: Additional surcharges apply (approx. $40.25).
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10-$20 per copy.
- Publication costs: Approximately $350.00 total for both the Legal Journal and Beaver County Times.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to inheritance tax processing)
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The Pennsylvania inheritance tax return is due 9 months after death, which often dictates the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
Beaver County Court Resources
- Court Website: beavercountypa.gov
- Probate Information: Register of Wills Probate
- PA Probate Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Beaver County Bar Association: 724-728-4888 — bcba-pa.org
- Neighborhood Legal Services: 724-378-0595 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Beaver County Legal Journal: 724-728-4888 — Published by the Bar Association.
- Beaver County Times: 724-775-3200 — General circulation newspaper.