Overview
Delaware County is the fifth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located southwest of Philadelphia with Media as its county seat. The Delaware County Register of Wills and Clerk of 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).
Delaware County has implemented an online system for electronic filing of certain estate documents, including Notices of Estates, making the process more accessible.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Delaware County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Delaware County Register of Wills
The Delaware County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court is located at the Government Center in Media.
Address: Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 891-4419 (Probate)
General Information & Inheritance Tax: (610) 891-4110
Orphans' Court: (610) 891-5408
Website: delcopa.gov/row
Email: RegOfWills@co.delaware.pa.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the Government Center in Media. The courthouse area is accessible via SEPTA Media/Elwyn Regional Rail line and bus routes. 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: File with the Register of Wills
File in person at the Government Center or use the Delaware County online filing system for eligible documents. 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 Delaware County Legal Journal (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
Delaware County-Specific Procedures
- Online filing is available for certain documents including Notices of Estates through the Delaware County Register of Wills online systems.
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Delaware County Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation.
- Forms are available on the Delaware County website at delcopa.gov/row/forms.
- 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. For intestate estates, bond is typically required.
Family Settlement Agreements
Delaware County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Delaware 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) 891-4419 or check the website 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
Delaware County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: delcopa.gov/row
- Online Systems: delcopa.gov/row/online
- Forms: delcopa.gov/row/forms
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania — Delaware County: (610) 874-8421
- Delaware County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (610) 335-4728
Publication
- Delaware County Legal Journal: P.O. Box 466, Media, PA 19063 — designated legal journal for Delaware County estate notices