Overview
Greene County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 34,000. The Greene County Register of Wills 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 (PEF 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 Settlement of Small Estate on Petition (20 Pa.C.S. § 3102) for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This simplified process allows for distribution without full estate administration.
Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax that varies based on the relationship of the heir to the decedent (0% for spouses, 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, 15% for others).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Greene 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
Greene County Register of Wills
Probate matters in Greene County are handled at the Greene County Courthouse.
Address: 10 East High Street, Room 100, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-5284 (Probate Appointments) | (724) 852-5369 (General Register & Recorder Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Probate appointments must be scheduled by 3:30 PM)
The Register of Wills is located on the first floor of the courthouse. Probate proceedings are conducted by appointment only. You must call ahead to schedule a time to open an estate.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse and in nearby municipal lots. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Settlement of Small Estate: If the estate (personal property only) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a petition under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the survivor.
- 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 Greene County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Death Certificate
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (Cash, Check, or Money Order)
- Renunciations (if applicable)
Note: Probate proceedings in Greene County are by appointment only. Call (724) 852-5284 to schedule.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing and receiving Letters, you must:
- Mail notice (Rule 10.5 Notice) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 3 months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Greene County Messenger) and the legal journal (The Greene Reports) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Administration and Inventory
The personal representative must:
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets.
- File the Inventory with the Register of Wills within 9 months of the decedent's death.
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) and pay any tax due within 9 months to avoid interest.
Step 5: Close the Estate
After paying debts and taxes, the personal representative must:
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report (Rule 10.6) with the Register of Wills or a formal Account with the Orphans' Court to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Greene County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment Required: You must call (724) 852-5284 to schedule an appointment for probate. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
- Payment Methods: The office accepts Cash, Check, or Money Order. Credit cards are generally not accepted for probate fees.
- Legal Journal: Estate notices must be published in The Greene Reports, the official legal publication of the Greene County Bar Association.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Greene County for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules and forms.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Greene County)
All probate filing fees include a mandatory $40.25 Judicial Computer System (JCS) fee. Fees are based on the value of the estate. Examples include:
- Estates $10,001 - $20,000: $90.00 (includes $40.25 JCS fee)
- Estates $50,001 - $75,000: $130.00 (includes $40.25 JCS fee)
- Estates $75,001 - $100,000: $140.00 (includes $40.25 JCS fee)
- Each additional $100,000: $50.00
- Short Certificate: $10.00
- Probate Will Only: $20.00
- Renunciation: $5.00
Note: Verify current fee schedule with the office.
Payment Methods
The court accepts Cash, Checks, or Money Orders. Credit cards are not accepted.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to inheritance tax return timeline)
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years or more
Creditor claims generally must be made within one year of advertisement.
Local Resources
Greene County Court Resources
- Court Website: greenecountypa.gov
- Probate Resources: Register of Wills Forms & Fees
- PA Probate Forms: AOPC Orphans' Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Greene County Bar Association: (724) 852-5233 — Local bar association.
- Southwestern PA Legal Services: (724) 627-3127 — Legal aid for qualifying residents.
- PA Bar Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- The Greene Reports: (724) 852-5233 — Official Legal Journal.
- Greene County Messenger: (724) 852-2251 — General circulation newspaper.