Overview
Montgomery County is the third-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located northwest of Philadelphia. The Montgomery County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court handles probate of wills, granting of Letters, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county. The office is located at One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown, the county seat.
Pennsylvania probate provides several options. Estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Larger estates require formal probate. Pennsylvania's inheritance tax applies at rates of 0% (spouse), 4.5% (lineal descendants), 12% (siblings), and 15% (others).
Montgomery County has implemented an online e-filing system for probate documents, making it one of the more technologically accessible Register of Wills offices in the state.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Montgomery County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Montgomery County Register of Wills
The Montgomery County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court is located at One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown.
Address: One Montgomery Plaza, 4th Floor, Norristown, PA 19404
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Phone: (610) 278-3400
Website: montgomerycountypa.gov/202/Register-of-Wills
Email: ROWSupport@montgomerycountypa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures and filing requirements. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Parking is available at One Montgomery Plaza and in nearby public lots in downtown Norristown. The building is accessible via SEPTA Regional Rail (Norristown Transportation Center). Visitors should plan for security screening.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Estate Pathway
Assess which filing is appropriate:
- Formal Probate (Testate): File a Petition for Probate with the original will. The Register of Wills grants Letters Testamentary.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no will.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates with $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate).
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Original will and any codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed Petition for Probate or Petition for Letters of Administration
- Photo identification
- Filing fee payment
Step 3: File with the Register of Wills
File in person at One Montgomery Plaza, 4th Floor, or through the e-filing portal. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Short certificates are provided for asset collection.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the Montgomery County Law Reporter (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Step 5: Inventory, Tax, and Closing
File an Inventory within 9 months. File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months). Administer the estate, distribute assets, and close through a formal accounting or Family Settlement Agreement.
Local Requirements
Montgomery County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is available through the Montgomery County Register of Wills online portal.
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Montgomery County Law Reporter and one newspaper of general circulation, once a week for three successive weeks.
- Montgomery County Law Reporter publication cost is approximately $107.00 for three weekly issues, including the notarized Proof of Publication.
- Submission deadline for the Law Reporter is 2:00 PM on Tuesday for the following Thursday's issue.
- PA Inheritance Tax Return must be filed within 9 months of death. A 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Rates
- 0% — Surviving spouse
- 4.5% — Lineal descendants and lineal ancestors
- 12% — Siblings
- 15% — All other transferees
Bond Requirements
Bond may be required for the personal representative. The will may waive bond. For intestate estates, bond is typically required unless all heirs consent to waiver.
Orphans' Court Local Rules
Montgomery County has local Orphans' Court rules that supplement the statewide rules. These govern formal accountings, audits, and contested matters. The local rules are available on the Montgomery County website.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Montgomery County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: approximately $7.00 each
- Publication in Montgomery County Law Reporter: approximately $107.00 (3 weekly issues)
Fees may be updated. Contact the Register of Wills at (610) 278-3400 or check the website for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the Register of Wills for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes the 9-month inventory and tax return deadlines and the creditor notice period.
Local Resources
Montgomery County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: montgomerycountypa.gov/202/Register-of-Wills
- Case Search: courtsapp.montcopa.org
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
- PA Unified Judicial System: pacourts.us
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania: (610) 275-5400
- Montgomery County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (610) 994-3678
- Montgomery County Law Reporter: (610) 994-3661
Publication
- Montgomery County Law Reporter: (610) 994-3661 — designated legal journal for Montgomery County estate notices. Submission deadline is Tuesday at 2:00 PM for Thursday publication.