Overview
Bradford County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 59,697. 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.
Pennsylvania offers a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the decedent's personal property (excluding real estate) does not exceed $50,000, a Small Estate Affidavit may be used to settle the estate without full probate administration.
Probate fees in Bradford County are based on the value of the estate. Additionally, Pennsylvania inheritance tax returns must be filed with the Register of Wills as an agent for the Commonwealth.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bradford 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
Bradford County Courthouse
Probate matters in Bradford County are handled at the Bradford County Courthouse.
Address: 301 Main Street, Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: (570) 265-1702 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the county courthouse. It is recommended to call ahead to schedule an appointment for probate proceedings.
Parking and Access
Metered street parking is available on Main Street and surrounding streets in Towanda. Visitors can pay using coins or the ParkMobile app. There are also public parking lots within walking distance of the courthouse. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified process.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner.
- 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 (Form RW-02) with the Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Estate Information Sheet (Form RW-01)
- Filing fee (cash or check is typically required)
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
It is highly recommended to call (570) 265-1702 to schedule an appointment before visiting the office.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and receiving Letters, you must:
- Mail Notice of Estate Administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within three months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in the Bradford County Law Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Daily Review) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Administration and Certification
The personal representative must file a certification with the court confirming that notice has been given to all required parties.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death
- File federal tax returns if necessary
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting or a family settlement agreement to close the estate
Local Requirements
Bradford County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment Required: The Register of Wills typically requires an appointment to open an estate. Call (570) 265-1702 to schedule.
- Original Documents: You must present the original Will and an original certified death certificate.
- Payment: Be prepared to pay filing fees by cash or check; credit cards may not be accepted or may incur a surcharge.
- Publication: Notice must be published in the Bradford County Law Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (such as The Daily Review) for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules and requirements. Fee schedules were updated effective December 1, 2025 due to a state-mandated increase.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bradford County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the estate. Estimated fees include:
- Estates not exceeding $1,000: $30.00
- Estates $1,000 - $5,000: $50.00
- Estates $5,000 - $10,000: $60.00
- Estates $10,000 - $25,000: ~$70.00
- JCS/ATJ Fee: ~$40.25 (Judicial Computer Project fee added to most filings)
- Certified copies of Letters: ~$20.00 each
- Publication costs: Approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
Note: Fees were updated effective December 1, 2025. Contact the Register of Wills at (570) 265-1702 for the exact current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Confirm with the office if credit cards are accepted before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to inheritance tax processing and creditor periods)
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return is due 9 months after the date of death, which often dictates the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Bradford County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: Bradford County Register & Recorder
- PA Courts Probate Forms: Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
- Probate Self-Help: PA Law Help
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Bradford County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly as there is no central referral service.
- North Penn Legal Services: (877) 953-4250 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- Bradford County Law Journal: Official legal publication.
- The Daily Review: (570) 265-2151 — Newspaper of general circulation in Towanda and Bradford County.