Where do I file for probate in Northumberland County?

File at the Register of Wills office located at the Northumberland County Courthouse, 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801. In-person probates are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. Zoom probates are also available.

How much does probate cost in Northumberland County?

Filing fees depend on the estate value. For example, an estate between $50,000 and $100,000 costs approximately $266.75 to open. Additional costs include publication and attorney fees.

Can I avoid probate in Northumberland County with a small estate?

Yes, if the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may be able to use a Small Estate Petition to settle the estate without full probate administration.

How long does probate take in Northumberland County?

Most estates take at least a year because the creditor claim period lasts for one year after advertisement. Simple estates may close shortly after that, while complex ones can take longer.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Northumberland County?

Pennsylvania does not strictly require an attorney, but probate involves complex tax returns (Inheritance Tax) and legal filings. Hiring a qualified estate attorney is highly recommended.

What newspapers should I publish probate notice in?

You must publish notice in the *Northumberland Legal Journal* and one newspaper of general circulation in the county, such as *The Daily Item*.

Northumberland County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Northumberland County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 90,000. 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 (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 small estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), Pennsylvania offers a simplified process known as a Small Estate Petition or settlement by affidavit, which can expedite the transfer of assets.

Pennsylvania has a statutory inheritance tax ranging from 0% to 15% depending on the relationship of the heir to the decedent. Executors and attorneys are entitled to reasonable compensation, often based on a "Johnson Estate" fee schedule or similar local custom, though no strict statutory percentage exists.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Northumberland 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 Northumberland County are handled at the Northumberland County Courthouse.

Address: 201 Market Street, 1st Floor, Sunbury, PA 17801

Phone: (570) 988-4143 (Register & Recorder) or (570) 988-4985 (Probate Appointments)

Hours: Monday 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM; Tuesday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM (Closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

The Register of Wills office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. In-person probates are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only. Zoom probates are also available. Call (570) 988-4985 to schedule.

Parking and Access

Street parking is available around the courthouse in Sunbury. There are also public parking lots nearby. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.

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 qualify for a simplified settlement by petition.
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, schedule an appointment with the Register of Wills. In-person probates are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only; Zoom probates are also available. You will need to file a Petition for Grant of Letters (standard PA Orphans' Court form). Include:

Original Will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Estate Information Sheet
Filing fee (check or money order; personal checks are typically not accepted)
Valid photo ID for the personal representative

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 the Northumberland Legal Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Daily Item) once a week for three successive weeks.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

For standard probate, a formal hearing is usually not required unless there is a dispute (e.g., a will contest). The Register of Wills grants Letters upon the successful filing of the petition and qualification of the personal representative.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Advertise the estate grant to notify creditors
File the Inventory with the Register of Wills
Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses
File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500)
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
Close the estate by filing a Family Settlement Agreement or a First and Final Account with the court

Local Requirements

Northumberland County-Specific Procedures

Appointments Required: The Register of Wills requires appointments for probate. In-person probates are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Zoom probates are also available. Call (570) 988-4985 to schedule.
Payment Methods: The office typically does not accept personal checks. Use cash, money orders, or checks from law firms/title companies.
Publication: Notice must be published in the Northumberland Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (such as The Daily Item) for three successive weeks.
Local Rules: Northumberland County generally follows the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Orphans' Court Rules, but always check for specific local administrative orders.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Northumberland County)

Fees are based on the value of the estate. Examples from the fee schedule:

Estates $1,001 - $5,000: $156.75
Estates $10,001 - $20,000: $181.75
Estates $50,001 - $100,000: $266.75
Each additional $100,000: $100.00
Short Certificates: $10.00 each
Renunciations: $10.00 per name
Probate Inquiry: $10.00

Note: Fees are subject to change. Rebilling occurs when filing fees exceed $25.00.

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, money orders, and business checks. Personal checks are generally not accepted.

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 first publication of notice.

Local Resources

Northumberland County Court Resources

Register of Wills Website: northumberlandcountypa.gov
PA Courts Orphans' Court Forms: pacourts.us
Fee Schedule: PDF Download

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Northumberland County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly as there is no central referral service listed.
North Penn Legal Services: (877) 953-4250 — Provides civil legal aid to low-income residents.
Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org

Publication

Northumberland Legal Journal: Official legal publication.
The Daily Item: (570) 286-5671 — Newspaper of general circulation.

Probate in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania: 2026 Guide