Overview
Lebanon County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 145,319. The Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division 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 (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 known as the Small Estate Petition for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This allows for a court order directing distribution without full estate administration.
Probate fees in Lebanon County are based on the value of the estate, plus state-mandated Judicial Computer System (JCS) fees. Pennsylvania also imposes an Inheritance Tax ranging from 0% to 15% depending on the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lebanon 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
Lebanon County Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans' Court
Probate matters in Lebanon County are handled at the Lebanon County Municipal Building.
Address: 400 South Eighth Street, Room 105, Lebanon, PA 17042-6794
Phone: (717) 228-4415 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills office is located on the first floor of the Municipal Building. This office is responsible for granting letters, collecting inheritance taxes, and maintaining estate records.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Municipal Building Parking Lot located at the northeast corner of 8th and Spring Streets. Metered street parking is also available along South 8th Street and surrounding streets. The building is accessible to the public during business hours with security screening at the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may file a petition for a decree of distribution without formal administration.
- 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 Lebanon County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Renunciations (if necessary, from others with equal or higher right to serve)
E-filing may be available for certain documents; check with the Register of Wills for current protocols.
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 of the estate administration in the Lebanon County Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Lebanon Daily News) once a week for three successive weeks.
- File a Certification of Notice with the Register of Wills.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For standard probate (Grant of Letters), a formal hearing is typically not required unless there is a dispute (e.g., a caveat is filed). The Register of Wills can often grant letters administratively upon review of the petition and documents.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims (claims generally must be made within 1 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.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report or First and Final Account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Lebanon County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: Lebanon County follows the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rules, supplemented by Lebanon County Local Rules.
- Appointment: The personal representative usually must appear in person at the Register of Wills office to be sworn in, though remote options may be available under specific circumstances.
- Bond: Out-of-state administrators are typically required to post a bond.
- Publication: Notice must be published in the Lebanon County Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (typically the Lebanon Daily News) for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most up-to-date local administrative orders or fee schedule changes.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lebanon County)
- Probate of Will / Grant of Letters: Fees are sliding scale based on estate value.
- Example: Estates ~$50,000 might incur fees around $50.00 - $100.00 (plus JCS fees).
- JCS/ATJ Fees: $41.25 (state mandated).
- Short Certificates: Approximately $5.00 - $10.00 per certificate.
- Probate Advertising: Approximately $150 - $300 total for both publications (Legal Journal + Newspaper).
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Register of Wills for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash and checks only.
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 2+ years.
The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return is due 9 months after death. The creditor claim period is 1 year from the first date of publication.
Local Resources
Lebanon County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: Lebanon County Register of Wills
- Probate Forms: Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
- Local Rules: Lebanon County Local Rules
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Lebanon County Bar Association: (717) 273-3113 — lebanoncountybar.org
- MidPenn Legal Services: (717) 274-2834 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- Lebanon County Legal Journal: (717) 273-3113 — lebanoncountylegaljournal.org
- Lebanon Daily News: (717) 272-5611 — ldnews.com