Overview
Blair County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 120,000. The Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death. The Register of Wills serves as the Clerk of the Orphans' Court and is the primary office for filing probate documents.
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.
Simplified Procedures:
- Small Estate Petition: For estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), a petition can be filed for a decree of distribution without full estate administration (20 Pa.C.S. § 3102).
- Direct Payments: Certain assets like wages or bank accounts up to $10,000 may be paid directly to eligible family members without formal probate (20 Pa.C.S. § 3101).
Fee Structure:
- Probate fees are based on the value of the estate.
- There is an additional PA Judicial Computer Project (JCS) fee (currently $41.25) applied to most initial filings.
- The Register of Wills accepts checks and cash; credit cards may not be accepted for all probate fees.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Blair 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
Blair County Courthouse
Probate matters in Blair County are handled at the Blair County Courthouse. The Register of Wills office is located in Suite 145.
Address: 423 Allegheny Street, Suite 145, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Phone: (814) 693-3095 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Recording/filing desk closes at 3:45 PM)
The Register of Wills & Recorder of Deeds office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. Appointments for probate are strongly encouraged to avoid delays, with the last appointment typically scheduled for 3:00 PM.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Blair County Parking Garage located on the 400 block of Mulberry Street (approx. 415-417 Mulberry St). There is also metered street parking available around the courthouse square in Hollidaysburg. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the personal estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified decree of distribution.
- Direct Payment: Wages, bank deposits, and patient care funds up to $10,000 may be releasable to family without letters.
- 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 Blair County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Petition for Grant of Letters (State Form RW-01 or local equivalent)
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (Check payable to "Register of Wills")
- Photo ID for the personal representative
Note: The Register of Wills strongly encourages scheduling an appointment for probate.
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.
- File a Certification of Notice with the Register of Wills.
- Publish notice of the estate administration once a week for three successive weeks in the Blair County Legal Bulletin AND a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Altoona Mirror).
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the grant of letters (as described above) to notify creditors.
- File an Inventory with the Register of Wills within 3 months.
- File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death to avoid penalties (a 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months).
- Pay valid creditor claims (claims generally must be made within 1 year of advertisement).
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report or Final Account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Blair County-Specific Procedures
- Appointments: The Register of Wills strongly recommends making an appointment for probate. Walk-ins may experience delays.
- Last Appointment: Typically 3:00 PM.
- Payment: Checks should be made payable to "Register of Wills". Separate checks are often required for probate fees and inheritance tax payments.
- Publication: Notice must be published in the Blair County Legal Bulletin and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Altoona Mirror or Tyrone Daily Herald).
Local Rules: Blair County generally follows the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rules. Always check with the Register of Wills for any unwritten local practices regarding specific forms or bond requirements for out-of-state administrators.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Blair County)
Fees are based on the value of the estate. Examples include:
- Estates under $1,000: $30.00
- $1,001 - $5,000: $40.00
- $5,001 - $10,000: $50.00
- $10,001 - $20,000: $60.00
- $50,001 - $75,000: $100.00
- $75,001 - $100,000: $110.00
- Each additional $100,000: $110.00
Additional Costs:
- JCS (Judicial Computer System) Fee: $41.25 (added to most petitions)
- Probate of Will only (no letters): $30.00
- Short Certificates: $5.00 each
- Renunciation: $10.00 per signature
- Publication costs: Varies by newspaper (approx. $150-$300 total)
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills accepts checks and cash. Checks for probate fees should be made payable to "Register of Wills". Inheritance tax checks must be made payable to "Register of Wills, Agent".
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to inheritance tax and creditor periods)
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Note: The creditor claim period in PA is 1 year from the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Blair County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: blairco.org
- Fee Schedule: View Fees
- PA Courts Probate Forms: pacourts.us
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Blair County Bar Association: (814) 693-3090 — blaircountybar.org
- MidPenn Legal Services (Altoona): (814) 943-8139 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- Blair County Legal Bulletin: (814) 693-3090 — Official legal publication.
- Altoona Mirror: (814) 946-7411 — General circulation newspaper.