Overview
Chester County is the sixth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located west of Philadelphia with West Chester as its county seat. The Chester County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court 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).
Chester County accepts electronically filed documents that are signed, dated, and executed as originals. The Register of Wills office requires appointments for estate probates and certain other services.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Chester County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Chester County Register of Wills
The Chester County Register of Wills / Orphans' Court is located in downtown West Chester.
Address: 201 West Market Street, Suite 2200, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: (610) 344-6335
Website: chesco.org/168/Register-of-Wills-Orphans-Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Note: Marriage applications and estate probates are accepted by appointment only. Schedule through the website or by calling (610) 344-6335.
The office provides general information about probate procedures. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in downtown West Chester, including garages and metered street parking. The courthouse is accessible from Market Street. Visitors should plan for security screening.
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: Schedule an Appointment and File
Chester County requires appointments for estate probates. Schedule through the website at chesco.org/wills or call (610) 344-6335. Bring all documents to the appointment. The Register of Wills issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the Chester County Law Reporter (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation.
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
Chester County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment required for estate probates. Schedule at chesco.org/wills or call (610) 344-6335.
- E-filing accepted — Chester County accepts electronically filed documents that are signed, dated, and executed as originals. Documents are file-stamped with the date received.
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Chester County Law Reporter and one newspaper of general circulation.
- 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.
FAQs and Resources
Chester County maintains a helpful FAQ section on its website covering common probate questions, available at chesco.org.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Chester 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) 344-6335 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
Chester County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: chesco.org/168/Register-of-Wills-Orphans-Court
- Public Portal (Record Search): chesco.org/5730/Public-Portal
- FAQs: chesco.org/3357/Register-of-Wills-FAQs
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania — Chester County: (610) 436-9150
- Chester County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (610) 692-1889
Publication
- Chester County Law Reporter: 15 West Gay Street, P.O. Box 3191, West Chester, PA 19380 — designated legal journal for Chester County estate notices