Where do I file for probate in Cambria County?

File at the Register of Wills office located in the Cambria County Courthouse, 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931.

How much does probate cost in Cambria County?

Filing fees vary based on the value of the estate, typically starting around $50-$100 plus a state JCS fee of ~$40.25. Publication costs add approximately $150-$300.

Can I avoid probate in Cambria County with a small estate?

Yes, if the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for the 'Settlement of Small Estates' procedure under PEF Code § 3102.

How long does probate take in Cambria County?

Most simple estates take about 9 to 12 months to allow for the inheritance tax return filing and creditor claim periods.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Cambria County?

Pennsylvania law does not strictly require an attorney, but probate can be complex. The Register of Wills staff cannot provide legal advice. Hiring an attorney is recommended for most estates.

Where do I publish the estate notice?

Notices must be published in the *Cambria County Legal Journal* and a newspaper of general circulation like *The Tribune-Democrat*.

Cambria County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Cambria County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 133,000. The Cambria County 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.

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 known as the Settlement of Small Estates (Section 3102). This process is available for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate and certain other payments). It allows for a court decree of distribution without the full formalities of estate administration.

Pennsylvania does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services performed and the size of the estate, often following the Johnson Estate fee schedule guidelines as a reference.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Cambria 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

Cambria County Register of Wills

Probate matters in Cambria County are handled at the Cambria County Courthouse.

Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931

Phone: (814) 472-1440 (Register of Wills)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The Register of Wills office is located within the county courthouse in Ebensburg. This office is responsible for probating wills and granting letters to personal representatives.

Parking and Access

Metered street parking is available on South Center Street and West High Street surrounding the courthouse. There are also municipal parking lots nearby, such as the Penn Eben Lot. Be sure to check meter time limits and bring coins or payment method as required.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Settlement of Small Estates: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified petition under PEF Code § 3102.
Non-probate transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or IRAs) or held jointly with rights of survivorship do not go through probate.
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 Cambria County Register of Wills. Include:

Original Will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Estate Information Sheet
Valid photo ID for the personal representative
Filing fee (varies by estate value)

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 certification of notice with the Register of Wills.
Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Tribune-Democrat) and the Cambria County Legal Journal once a week for three successive weeks.

Step 4: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Advertise the grant of letters (publication) to notify creditors.
Inventory and appraise all estate assets.
File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death.
Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
File a final accounting or a Family Settlement Agreement to close the estate.

Local Requirements

Cambria County-Specific Procedures

Legal Advertising: Notice of the estate administration must be published in the Cambria County Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (typically The Tribune-Democrat).
Inheritance Tax: The Register of Wills acts as the agent for the PA Department of Revenue for collecting inheritance tax. Returns are filed in duplicate with the Register's office.
Local Rules: Cambria County may have specific local Orphans' Court rules regarding the format of accounts and petitions; check with the Clerk of Orphans' Court for specifics.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Cambria County)

Filing fees vary based on the value of the estate.

Petition for Letters: Fees typically start around $50-$100 for very small estates and increase based on estate value.
JCS/ATJ Fee: An additional state judicial computer system fee of approximately $40.25 is usually applied to the initial filing.
Probate of Will only: Varies by estate size.
Short Certificates: Approximately $5-$10 per copy.
Publication costs: Approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Register of Wills at (814) 472-1440 for the most current fee schedule.

Payment Methods

The Register of Wills office only accepts cash. Plan accordingly when visiting the courthouse.

Estimated Timelines

Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to the 9-month inheritance tax deadline and creditor period).
Average estates: 12-18 months.
Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years.

The timeline is heavily influenced by the 9-month deadline for filing the PA Inheritance Tax Return and the creditor claim period.

Local Resources

Cambria County Court Resources

Court Website: https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/register-of-wills-clerk-of-orphans-court-office/
PA Courts Forms: https://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-public/orphans-court-forms

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Cambria County Bar Association: (814) 255-3221 — https://www.cambriabar.org/
Summit Legal Aid (formerly Laurel Legal Services): (814) 536-8917 — Provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents.
PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: https://www.pabar.org/site/For-the-Public/Find-a-Lawyer

Publication

The Tribune-Democrat: (814) 532-5000 — Newspaper of general circulation.
Cambria County Legal Journal: (814) 472-7677 — Official legal publication.

Probate in Cambria County, Pennsylvania: 2026 Guide