Overview
Union County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 42,159. The 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.
Pennsylvania offers a simplified procedure for small estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). A petition for settlement of a small estate can be filed to expedite the process.
Probate filing fees in Union County are based on the value of the estate. Pennsylvania does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable based on the services performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Union 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
Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division
Probate matters in Union County are handled at the Union County Courthouse.
Address: 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone: (570) 524-8762 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Register of Wills is located in the courthouse and serves as the filing office for probate documents. Document recording typically concludes at 4:15 PM.
Parking and Access
Metered street parking is available on South Second Street and surrounding streets. There are also municipal parking lots located nearby, such as the lot on Cherry Alley.
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), a simplified petition may be filed.
- Family Exemption: Certain family members (spouse, children, parents) may claim an exemption of up to $3,500.
- 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 Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court Division. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Death Certificate
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (varies by estate value)
- Renunciations (if applicable)
Check with the Register of Wills for current e-filing availability, though in-person filing is common.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing (or as required by local rule for specific petitions).
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Union County and the Union County Legal Journal for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition. For standard probate, a formal hearing is often not required if all documents are in order, and the Register of Wills issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration upon qualification.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the grant of letters in a newspaper of general circulation and the legal journal to notify creditors.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months.
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed (PA Inheritance Tax Return is due within 9 months).
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge or a family settlement agreement.
Local Requirements
Union County-Specific Procedures
- Appointment Required: It is recommended to call the Register of Wills to schedule an appointment for probate.
- Original Documents: The original will and death certificate must be presented at the time of filing.
- Legal Journal: Notices must be published in the Union County Legal Journal.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Union County for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most up-to-date local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Union County)
- Probate of Will / Grant of Letters: approximately $50 - $150+ (varies by estate value)
- JCS/ATJ Fees: approximately $40.25
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 - $10 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Renunciations: approximately $10 each
Pennsylvania does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees are based on reasonable compensation for time and responsibility.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return is due within 9 months of the date of death, which often drives the timeline.
Local Resources
Union County Court Resources
- Court Website: unioncountypa.org
- Probate Self-Help: PA Courts Learn
- PA Probate Forms: PA Orphans' Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Union County Bar Association: (570) 524-8762 (Court Admin) — Local bar association
- North Penn Legal Services: (877) 953-4250 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- PABAR Lawyer Referral: pabar.org
Publication
- The Standard-Journal: (570) 742-9671 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Union County Legal Journal: (570) 524-4431 — Official legal publication