Where do I file for probate in Fayette County?

File with the Register of Wills at the Fayette County Courthouse, 61 E Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. The phone number is (724) 430-1206. It is recommended to schedule an appointment before visiting.

How much does probate cost in Fayette County?

Filing fees vary by estate value, starting around $50 to $100 for small estates and increasing for larger estates. Additional costs include legal journal advertising ($80-$100), newspaper publication, and short certificates ($10-$20 each).

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

Yes, if the decedent's personal property (excluding real estate) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to use a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate to settle the estate without full administration.

How long does probate take in Fayette County?

Simple estates typically take 9 to 12 months, largely due to the inheritance tax return deadline (9 months from death) and the creditor claim period. Complex or contested estates can take 18 months or longer.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Fayette County?

While not strictly required by law, the Register of Wills strongly suggests seeking legal advice. Estate administration involves complex tax and legal duties, including the Pennsylvania inheritance tax. The Fayette County Bar Association can provide attorney referrals at (724) 437-7994.

Where must I publish the estate notice in Fayette County?

You must publish notice in both the *Fayette Legal Journal* (published by the Fayette County Bar Association) and one newspaper of general circulation, such as the *Herald-Standard*, once a week for three successive weeks.

What is the Pennsylvania inheritance tax?

Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax with rates based on the relationship to the decedent: 0% for surviving spouses, 4.5% for lineal descendants, 12% for siblings, and 15% for all others. The return (REV-1500) is due within 9 months of death, with a 5% discount if paid within 3 months.

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

Overview

Fayette County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 123,941. 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 (20 Pa.C.S. --- Probate, 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. If the value of the decedent's personal property (excluding real estate) does not exceed $50,000, a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate may be filed to settle the estate without full administration.

Filing fees in Fayette County are based on the estimated gross value of the estate. Pennsylvania also imposes an inheritance tax with rates that vary by relationship to the decedent:

0% for transfers to a surviving spouse
4.5% for transfers to lineal descendants (children, grandchildren)
12% for transfers to siblings
15% for transfers to all others

This guide provides an informational overview of the Fayette 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 Fayette County are handled at the Fayette County Courthouse.

Address: 61 E Main Street, Fayette County Courthouse, Uniontown, PA 15401

Phone: (724) 430-1206 (Register of Wills)

Fax: (724) 430-1275

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The Register of Wills office is the starting point for estate administration. It is recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment before visiting. The latest time to file and receive a same-day receipt is 3:30 PM.

Parking and Access

Metered street parking is available along Main Street and surrounding streets in downtown Uniontown. A public parking lot is also available nearby. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the courthouse.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small Estate Petition: If the estate's personal property is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified settlement 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 with the Register of Wills. Include:

Original will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Estate Information Sheet
Filing fee (based on estimated estate value)
Valid photo ID for the personal representative
Oath of the personal representative

The Register of Wills strongly recommends scheduling an appointment before visiting. The latest time to begin a new estate probate filing and receive a same-day receipt is 3:30 PM.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Mail notice of the estate administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within three months of the grant of letters
Publish notice in the Fayette Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (such as the Herald-Standard) once a week for three successive weeks

Step 4: Court Review

For standard probate, a formal hearing is often not required unless the will is contested. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration upon qualification of the personal representative.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Advertise the grant of letters to notify creditors (claims must generally be made within one year of advertisement)
Inventory and appraise all estate assets
File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death (a 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months)
Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
File a Status Report or Final Account to close the estate

Local Requirements

Fayette County-Specific Procedures

Appointments Recommended: The Register of Wills encourages scheduling an appointment before visiting. Call (724) 430-1206 to schedule.
Filing Deadline: The latest time to initiate a new estate filing and receive a same-day receipt is 3:30 PM.
Legal Journal: Publication in the Fayette Legal Journal is mandatory. The journal is published weekly by the Fayette County Bar Association.
Publication: Notice must also be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Fayette County (such as the Herald-Standard) for three successive weeks.
Inheritance Tax: The Register of Wills office also serves as the agent for the PA Department of Revenue for inheritance tax collection.
Search Fee: A non-refundable $5.00 search fee is required for probate record searches.

The Register of Wills office staff can provide basic procedural information but cannot give legal advice.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Fayette County)

Filing fees are determined by the estimated gross value of the estate. While subject to change, estimated costs include:

Probate Petition: Fees typically start around $50-$100 for small estates and increase based on estate value (e.g., an estate of $50,000 may cost approximately $135-$175)
Short Certificates: Approximately $10-$20 per certificate
Legal Journal Advertising: Approximately $80-$100 (includes proof of publication)
General Newspaper Advertising: Varies by publication, typically charged by line or column inch
Record Search Fee: $5.00 (non-refundable)

Payment Methods

Contact the Register of Wills office to confirm currently accepted payment methods. Courts typically accept checks, money orders, and cash.

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 death, which often drives the initial timeline. A 5% discount is available if the tax is paid within 3 months.

Local Resources

Fayette County Court Resources

Register of Wills Website: fayettecountypa.org/511/Register-of-Wills
Estate Information: fayettecountypa.org/516/Estate-Information
Fee Schedule: fayettecountypa.org/727/Fee-Schedule
PA Courts Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Fayette County Bar Association: (724) 437-7994 --- Located at 45 E Main St, Suite 100, Uniontown
Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Society: (724) 437-3000 --- Legal aid for eligible low-income residents
PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org

Publication

Fayette Legal Journal: (724) 437-7994 --- Published weekly by the Fayette County Bar Association, 45 E Main St, Suite 100, Uniontown, PA 15401
Herald-Standard: (724) 439-7500 --- Newspaper of general circulation in Fayette County

Probate in Fayette County, Pennsylvania: 2026 Guide