Overview
Huntingdon County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 44,000. 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 (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 estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), Pennsylvania allows for a simplified small estate petition (Section 3102). This process can expedite the transfer of assets without full probate administration.
Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax that varies based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent (e.g., 0% for spouses, 4.5% for lineal descendants, 12% for siblings, 15% for others). The Register of Wills acts as the agent for the PA Department of Revenue to collect this tax.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon County are handled at the Huntingdon County Courthouse.
Address: 223 Penn Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: (814) 643-2740 (Register & Recorder Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the county courthouse. This office is responsible for granting letters testamentary and of administration, as well as collecting inheritance taxes.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse on Penn Street and adjacent streets. Visitors should be prepared for security screening 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 personal property in the estate is valued at $50,000 or less, you may qualify for a simplified petition under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or held jointly with rights of survivorship generally do not go through 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 any)
- Certified death certificate
- Estate Information Sheet
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
- Filing fee (cash or check)
The Register of Wills typically requires the personal representative to appear in person to be sworn in, though some procedures may be handled remotely or by affidavit—check with the office for current policies.
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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Huntingdon County (e.g., The Daily News) once a week for three successive weeks.
- File a certification with the court that notice has been given.
Step 4: Administration and Tax
The personal representative must:
- Advertise the Estate: As mentioned above, to notify creditors.
- Pay Inheritance Tax: File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death to avoid penalties (a 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months).
- Inventory: File an inventory of estate assets with the Register of Wills.
Step 5: Close the Estate
After administering the estate, paying debts, and distributing assets, the estate can be closed by:
- Filing a Family Settlement Agreement (if all parties agree).
- Filing a Formal Account with the Orphans' Court for audit and adjudication (required in contested cases).
Local Requirements
Huntingdon County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment: It is recommended to call (814) 643-2740 to schedule an appointment for probate, especially if you are coming from out of town.
- Payment: The office typically accepts cash or checks. Credit cards may not be accepted or may incur a convenience fee.
- Marriage Licenses: While not probate, note that this office also handles marriage licenses ($55 cash only).
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Huntingdon County, such as The Daily News.
Always verify the latest fee schedule and procedural requirements by contacting the Register of Wills directly.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Huntingdon County)
Filing fees are generally based on the value of the estate.
- Probate Petition: Varies by estate value (e.g., typically starting around $50-$100 for small estates, increasing with value).
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10-$20 per certified copy.
- Inheritance Tax: 0% (spouses), 4.5% (lineal descendants), 12% (siblings), 15% (others).
- Publication costs: Approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper and length of notice.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Consult the current fee schedule at the Register of Wills office.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash and checks. Confirm credit card availability and fees before visiting.
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 creditor claim period in Pennsylvania is one year from the required publication of notice.
Local Resources
Huntingdon County Court Resources
- Register & Recorder Website: huntingdoncountycourt.net
- PA Courts Probate Forms: pacourts.us
- Inheritance Tax Forms: pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Huntingdon County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly.
- MidPenn Legal Services: (800) 326-9177 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- The Daily News (Huntingdon): (814) 643-4040 — huntingdondailynews.com