Overview
Pike County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 62,000. The Pike County 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 the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code (20 Pa.C.S.). 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.
Pennsylvania offers a simplified procedure for small estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This process, known as Settlement of Small Estates on Petition, allows for a court order directing distribution without full estate administration.
Pennsylvania does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be "reasonable" based on the services provided and the size of the estate. The Johnson Estate fee schedule is often used as a guideline but is not mandatory.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pike 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
Pike County Register of Wills
Probate matters in Pike County are handled at the Pike County Courthouse.
Address: 506 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337
Phone: 570-296-3508 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the county courthouse complex. It serves as the filing office for probate petitions and inheritance tax returns.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse in Milford. 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 (excluding real estate) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may qualify for a simplified settlement process.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) or held jointly with rights of survivorship generally do not go 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 Pike 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
The personal representative must typically appear in person to be sworn in, though remote options may be available in some circumstances.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of estate administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and the spouse (if any) within 3 months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in the Pike County Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Pike County Dispatch) once a week for three successive weeks.
- File a certification of notice with the Register of Wills.
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and pay valid claims (claims are generally barred 1 year after 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 according to the will or intestate laws.
- File a Status Report or Final Account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Pike County-Specific Procedures
- In-Person Appearance: The Register of Wills typically requires the personal representative to appear in person to take the oath of office. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
- Bond Requirements: Out-of-state administrators usually must post a bond. In-state administrators may not need a bond if the will waives it or if they are the sole residuary beneficiary.
- Publication: Notice must be published in the Pike County Legal Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (typically the Pike County Dispatch) for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules and forms.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pike County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the probate estate. Estimated costs include:
- Probate Filing Fee: Varies by estate value (e.g., estates up to $1,000 may start around $20-$50; larger estates scale up).
- JCS/Automation Fees: Approximately $40-$50 additional per filing.
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10-$20 per certified copy.
- Publication costs: Approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspapers used.
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills 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 2 years or more.
The Pennsylvania inheritance tax return is due 9 months after death, which often drives the timeline.
Local Resources
Pike County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: pikepa.org
- PA Courts Self-Help: pacourts.us
- PA Probate Forms: pacourts.us
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Pike County Bar Association: pikecountypalawyers.com
- North Penn Legal Services: 877-953-4250 — nplspa.org
Publication
- Pike County Legal Journal: 570-296-5102 — pikecountypalawyers.com/lawjournal.html
- Pike County Dispatch: 570-296-6651 — pikedispatch.com