Overview
Clearfield County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 78,132. 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 (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 Petition for Settlement of Small Estate for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate).
State law dictates probate fees, which often vary by estate value. Pennsylvania also has an Inheritance Tax that must be filed within nine months of the date of death.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Clearfield 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
Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court
Probate matters in Clearfield County are handled at the Clearfield County Courthouse.
Address: 1 North Second Street, Clearfield, PA 16830
Phone: (814) 765-2641 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Register of Wills office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. This office is responsible for probating wills and granting letters of administration.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse square and on nearby streets (check meters and signs). There are also public parking lots within walking distance in downtown Clearfield. Security screening is required upon entering the courthouse building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may file a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass directly to the co-owner.
- Beneficiary Designations: Assets with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD accounts, life insurance) bypass 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 Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Estate Information Sheet (Form RW-01)
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
- Filing fee (check or cash)
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.
- Certify notice by filing a certification with the Register of Wills.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Clearfield County and the local legal journal once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Administration and Inventory
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate grant (publication) to notify creditors.
- File an Inventory of estate assets with the Register of Wills within a specific timeframe (typically 9 months, but check local rules).
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death to avoid penalties.
Step 5: Closing the Estate
Once debts and taxes are paid:
- Prepare a Final Accounting (if required) or a Family Settlement Agreement.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws.
- File a status report or petition for discharge to close the estate record.
Local Requirements
Clearfield County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment: It is recommended to call the Register of Wills at (814) 765-2641 to schedule an appointment for probate, especially if you are traveling from out of town.
- Legal Journal: Publication is required in the Clearfield County Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Progress).
- Bond: Out-of-state administrators usually require a bond unless excused by the will.
- Forms: Many forms follow the standard Pennsylvania Orphans' Court forms.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules regarding e-filing and specific document requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Clearfield County)
Filing fees are generally based on the value of the estate.
- Probate of Will / Grant of Letters: Varies by estate value (typically starts around $50-$100 for very small estates and increases).
- JCS/JCP Fees: Approximately $41.25 (Judicial Computer Project fee added to most filings).
- Small Estate Petition: Varies, often lower than full probate.
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10.00 - $20.00 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 for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted but often carry a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9 to 12 months (driven by the inheritance tax deadline and creditor period).
- Creditor Claim Period: 1 year from publication.
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years.
Local Resources
Clearfield County Court Resources
- Court Website: clearfieldcountypa.gov
- Register of Wills: Department Page
- PA Courts Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Clearfield County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys for referrals.
- MidPenn Legal Services: (800) 326-9177 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- The Progress: (814) 765-5581 — Newspaper of general circulation.
- Clearfield County Legal Journal: (814) 577-3255 — Designated legal publication.