Overview
Berks County is the ninth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located in the southeastern part of the state with Reading as its county seat. The Berks County Register of Wills handles probate of wills, granting of Letters, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county.
Pennsylvania probate provides several options. Estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Larger estates require formal probate. The PA inheritance tax applies at rates of 0% (spouse), 4.5% (lineal descendants), 12% (siblings), and 15% (others).
The Berks County Register of Wills office provides probate and estates information on its website, including forms and contact details for the office in Reading.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Berks County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Berks County Register of Wills
The Berks County Register of Wills is located at the Berks County Services Center in Reading.
Address: 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 478-6600
Website: berkspa.gov/departments/register-of-wills
Email: rwills@berkspa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures and filing requirements. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Reading. The building is accessible from Court Street. Visitors should plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Estate Pathway
- Formal Probate (Testate): File a Petition for Probate with the original will.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no valid will.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates with $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate).
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed Petition for Probate or Letters of Administration
- Photo identification
- Filing fee payment
Step 3: File with the Register of Wills
File in person at 633 Court Street, Reading. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Short certificates are provided for asset collection.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the Berks County Law Journal (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Step 5: Inventory, Tax, and Closing
File an Inventory within 9 months. File the PA Inheritance Tax Return within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months). Administer the estate and close through a formal accounting or Family Settlement Agreement.
Local Requirements
Berks County-Specific Procedures
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Berks County Law Journal and one newspaper of general circulation.
- Probate and Estates information is available on the Berks County website at berkspa.gov/departments/register-of-wills/probate-estates.
- Inventory must be filed within 9 months of death.
- PA Inheritance Tax Return is due within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months).
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 typically required.
Family Settlement Agreements
Berks County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Berks County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: varies
- Publication costs: vary by newspaper
Fees may be updated. Contact the Register of Wills at (610) 478-6600 or email rwills@berkspa.gov for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the Register of Wills for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes the 9-month inventory and tax return deadlines.
Local Resources
Berks County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: berkspa.gov/departments/register-of-wills
- Probate/Estates: berkspa.gov/departments/register-of-wills/probate-estates
- Contact: berkspa.gov/departments/register-of-wills/contact-us
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- MidPenn Legal Services — Reading: (610) 376-8656
- Berks County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (610) 375-4591
Publication
- Berks County Law Journal: 544-546 Court Street, Reading — designated legal journal for Berks County estate notices