Overview
Sullivan County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 5,927. The Sullivan County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division 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 Petition for Settlement of Small Estate if the value of the personal estate (excluding real estate) is $50,000 or less. This simplified process allows for a court order directing distribution without full estate administration.
Pennsylvania has a statutory fee schedule for personal representatives and attorneys, though these are often treated as guidelines (Johnson Estate guidelines) rather than mandatory fixed rates.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sullivan 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
Sullivan County Court of Common Pleas
Probate matters in Sullivan County are handled at the Sullivan County Courthouse. The Register of Wills office accepts filings.
Address: 245 Muncy Street, Suite 100, Laporte, PA 18626
Phone: (570) 946-7351 (Register of Wills & Recorder of Deeds)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Register of Wills is located on the first floor of the courthouse. This office serves as the intake point for opening estates and paying inheritance taxes.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Laporte. The building is accessible, with security screening required at the main entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Settlement of Small Estate: If the personal estate is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a petition for a decree of distribution without full administration.
- Survivorship/Beneficiary Designations: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship or with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or IRAs) generally pass outside 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 Sullivan County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Estate Information Sheet (Form RW-01)
- Filing fee (varies by estate value)
- Valid photo ID for the personal representative
E-filing may not be available for initial pleadings; check with the Register of Wills for current submission methods.
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 a newspaper of general circulation in Sullivan County (typically The Sullivan Review) once a week for three successive weeks.
- File a certification with the court confirming notices were sent and published.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For standard probate, a formal hearing is often not required if the petition is in order. The Register of Wills will review the documents and, if approved, issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate grant (publication) to notify creditors.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets.
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report or formal account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Sullivan County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: The Register of Wills may require specific local cover sheets or affidavits.
- Bond Requirements: Out-of-state administrators usually must post a bond. In-state administrators may be excused if the will waives it or if all heirs agree.
- Publication: Notice must be published in The Sullivan Review (the county's legal newspaper) and potentially a legal journal if one exists, though Sullivan County typically uses the general circulation newspaper for legal notices.
- Inheritance Tax: Payments are made to the "Register of Wills, Agent" at the courthouse.
Always call the Register of Wills at (570) 946-7351 to confirm current fees and requirements before visiting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sullivan County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the probate estate. Estimated costs include:
- Probate Petition: Approximately $50 to $500+ (tiered based on estate value)
- JCS/ATJ State Fees: Approximately $41.25 (added to base fee)
- Automation Fee: Approximately $5.00 - $10.00
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10.00 per copy
- Publication costs: Approximately $150 - $300 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks (business or certified), or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (driven by the 9-month inheritance tax deadline)
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Pennsylvania is one year from the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Sullivan County Court Resources
- Court Website: sullivancountypa.gov
- Probate Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA Forms
- Register of Wills: (570) 946-7351
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
- North Penn Legal Services: (877) 953-4250 — Provides legal aid to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- The Sullivan Review: (570) 928-8403 — thesullivanreview.com