Overview
Westmoreland County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 350,935. The Westmoreland County Register of Wills 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 (Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries 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 Small Estate Petition procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). Additionally, under Act 50 of 2025, certain payments up to $20,000 may be made directly to family members without formal administration.
Westmoreland County filing fees are based on the value of the estate. For example, fees start at $50.00 for estates under $5,000 and increase based on the estate's gross value.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Westmoreland 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
Westmoreland County Register of Wills
Probate matters in Westmoreland County are handled at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Address: 2 North Main Street, Suite 301, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 830-3177 (Register of Wills)
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Marriage evening hours: First Tuesday and Thursday of the month until 6:00 PM
The Register of Wills office is located in the Courthouse Annex. It serves as the filing office for the Orphans' Court Division.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Robert Bell Parking Garage on West Otterman Street, directly across from the courthouse. There is also metered street parking in downtown Greensburg. Security screening is required 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 (personal property) is valued at $50,000 or less, you may file a petition for settlement of a small estate.
- Direct Payments (Section 3101): Financial institutions may release up to $20,000 to eligible family members without letters (funeral bills must be paid).
- 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 Westmoreland County Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Petition for Grant of Letters (Form RW-02)
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (based on estate value)
- Photo ID for the personal representative
The Register of Wills offers virtual probate options; call to schedule an appointment.
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 Westmoreland Law Journal and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Tribune-Review) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For standard probate, a formal hearing is often not required unless there is a dispute. The Register of Wills typically processes the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration upon acceptance of the documents and oath of the personal representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate to notify creditors (statutory claim period is 1 year from advertisement).
- File the Inventory with the Register of Wills.
- File the PA Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of death.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report or First and Final Account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Westmoreland County-Specific Procedures
- Virtual Probate: The office offers virtual probate services for a fee (approx. $100). Appointments are required.
- Local Rules: Westmoreland County Orphans' Court rules may impose specific formatting or procedural steps; consult the local bar association or court website.
- Publication: Notice must be published in the Westmoreland Law Journal and a newspaper of general circulation (typically the Tribune-Review) for three consecutive weeks.
- Bond: Out-of-state administrators usually require a bond unless excused by the will.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Westmoreland County)
Fees are based on the gross value of the estate. Examples include:
- Estates under $5,000: $50.00
- $5,001 - $10,000: $100.00
- $10,001 - $25,000: $125.00
- $25,001 - $50,000: $150.00
- $50,001 - $100,000: $250.00
- Short Certificates: $5.00 each
- Probate of Will only: $50.00
Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the official fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The Register of Wills accepts cash, checks, and 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 PA is one year from the first date of publication, which often sets the minimum timeline for final distribution.
Local Resources
Westmoreland County Court Resources
- Register of Wills Website: Westmoreland County Register of Wills
- Fee Schedule: Official Fee Schedule
- PA Probate Forms: AOPC Orphans' Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Westmoreland Bar Association: (724) 834-6730 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Summit Legal Aid (formerly Laurel Legal Services): (724) 836-2211 — Legal aid for eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Westmoreland Law Journal: (724) 834-7260 — westbar.org/?pg=wlj
- Tribune-Review: (724) 834-1151 — triblive.com