Overview
Perry County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 46,816. The Register of Wills & 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 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 process allows for a court order directing distribution without full estate administration.
The Register of Wills collects probate fees based on the value of the estate. Additionally, Pennsylvania 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 Perry 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
Perry County Courthouse
Probate matters in Perry County are handled at the Perry County Courthouse.
Address: 2 East Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: 717-582-2131 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the courthouse. This office is responsible for granting letters testamentary and letters of administration, as well as collecting inheritance taxes for the Commonwealth.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the courthouse lot, which is accessible from North Carlisle Street (approximately a short walk to the entrance). Street parking is also available around the town square in New Bloomfield.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Petition: If the estate (excluding real estate) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a petition for a decree of distribution without full administration.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner.
- 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 Perry County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the estate administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within three months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Perry County (such as the Perry County Times) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Certification of Notice
File a certification with the Register of Wills verifying that notice has been given to beneficiaries and that the estate has been advertised as required by law.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims
- File the Inventory with the Register of Wills
- 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
Perry County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment: It is recommended to call the Register of Wills at 717-582-2131 to schedule an appointment for probate, especially if you are traveling from out of the county.
- Bond Requirements: Out-of-state personal representatives are generally required to post a bond unless excused by the will.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Perry County (e.g., Perry County Times) for three successive weeks. Perry County does not have a separate designated legal journal, so publication in the general newspaper is typically sufficient.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Perry County)
Fees are based on the value of the probate estate. Estimated fees (subject to change):
- Estates $10,000 - $20,000: ~$55.00
- Estates $20,000 - $30,000: ~$65.00
- Estates $50,000 - $75,000: ~$95.00
- Estates $75,000 - $100,000: ~$125.00
- Each additional $100,000: ~$50.00
- JCS/Access to Justice Fee: ~$40.25 (additional)
- Short Certificates: $10.00 each
Payment Methods
The office typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
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
Perry County Court Resources
- Court Website: perryco.org
- Probate Forms: PA Courts Forms
- Register of Wills: Department Page
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Perry County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly
- MidPenn Legal Services: 1-800-326-9177 — midpenn.org
- PA Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- Perry County Times: 717-582-4000 — pennlive.com/perry-county-times
- The Perry County Herald: Local circulation