Overview
Mifflin County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 46,000. 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 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries). 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.
Settlement of Small Estates: For estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), Pennsylvania allows a simplified process via a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate. This avoids full probate administration.
Fees: Mifflin County charges a base fee based on the estate value, plus a JCS (Judicial Computer System) fee and an Automation fee on first filings.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Mifflin 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 Mifflin County are handled at the Mifflin County Courthouse.
Register of Wills: Ellen Amspacker
Address: 20 North Wayne Street, Lewistown, PA 17044
Phone: 717-242-1449 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Register of Wills office is located on the second floor of the courthouse. Turn right off the elevator; it is the first office on the right.
Parking and Access
There are four parking spaces at the north side of the courthouse reserved for county business with a 30-minute limit. Metered street parking is available on surrounding streets (e.g., Wayne St, 3rd St). Public parking is also available at the Woodlawn Parking Plaza nearby.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Settlement of Small Estates: If the estate (excluding real estate) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a Petition for Settlement of Small Estate.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, IRAs) or held jointly with rights of survivorship generally do not pass 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
- Filing Fee (check or cash)
- Renunciations (if applicable)
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.
- File Certification of Notice with the Register of Wills.
- Publish notice of the estate administration once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Sentinel) and the legal journal (if required).
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the Grant of Letters to notify creditors.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets.
- Pay valid creditor claims (claims generally must be made within 1 year).
- File PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of death.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a First and Final Account or a Family Settlement Agreement to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Mifflin County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment: It is recommended to call 717-242-1449 to schedule an appointment for probate, especially for complex matters.
- JCS & Automation Fees: A Judicial Computer System (JCS) fee of approximately $41.25 and an Automation fee of $10.00 are added to first filings.
- Advertising: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation (typically The Sentinel) and the Mifflin County Legal Journal.
- Bond: Out-of-state personal representatives usually require a bond unless excused by the will.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Mifflin County)
Fees are based on the estimated value of the estate. Effective Dec 2025 schedule:
- Estate Value $0 - $1,000: $32.00
- $1,001 - $5,000: $42.00
- $5,001 - $10,000: $61.00
- $10,001 - $20,000: $72.00
- $20,001 - $30,000: $84.00
- $30,001 - $40,000: $96.00
- $40,001 - $50,000: $106.00
- $50,001 - $75,000: $120.00
- $75,001 - $100,000: $132.00
- Each additional $100,000: $48.00
- JCS Fee: $41.25 (First Filing)
- Automation Fee: $10.00 (First Filing)
- Short Certificates: $6.00 each
- Probate of Will (per page >1): $6.00
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash and checks. Credit cards may not be accepted or may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Note: The creditor claim period in PA is 1 year, which often dictates the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Mifflin County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: Register of Wills - Mifflin County
- PA Courts Forms: pacourts.us
- Fee Schedule: Mifflin County Fees PDF
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Mifflin County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly.
- MidPenn Legal Services: 1-800-326-9177 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- The Sentinel: 717-248-6741 — General circulation newspaper.
- Mifflin County Legal Journal: Contact the Bar Association or local publisher.