Overview
York County is the eighth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located in the south-central part of the state. The York County Register of Wills handles probate of wills, granting of Letters, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county. The office is located in downtown York.
Pennsylvania probate provides several options. Estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Larger estates require formal probate. The PA inheritance tax applies at rates of 0% (spouse), 4.5% (lineal descendants), 12% (siblings), and 15% (others).
York County has implemented e-filing for wills and estates, allowing filers to submit new estate cases electronically.
This guide provides an informational overview of the York County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
York County Register of Wills
The York County Register of Wills is located in downtown York.
Address: 45 North George Street, Second Floor, York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 771-9607
Website: yorkcountypa.gov/385/Register-of-Wills
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in downtown York, including garages and metered street parking near the courthouse. Visitors should plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Estate Pathway
- Formal Probate (Testate): File a Petition for Probate with the original will.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no valid will.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates with $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate).
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed Petition for Probate or Letters of Administration
- Photo identification
- Filing fee payment
Step 3: File with the Register of Wills
File in person or through the York County e-filing system for new estate cases. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the York Legal Record (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Step 5: Inventory, Tax, and Closing
File an Inventory within 9 months. File the PA Inheritance Tax Return within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months). Administer the estate and close through a formal accounting or Family Settlement Agreement.
Local Requirements
York County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is available for new estate cases through the York County online system.
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the York Legal Record and one newspaper of general circulation.
- Forms are available on the York County website.
- Estate records search is available online.
- Inventory must be filed within 9 months of death.
- PA Inheritance Tax Return is due within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months).
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Rates
- 0% — Surviving spouse
- 4.5% — Lineal descendants and lineal ancestors
- 12% — Siblings
- 15% — All other transferees
Bond Requirements
Bond may be required for the personal representative. The will may waive bond.
Family Settlement Agreements
York County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (York County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: varies
- Publication costs: vary by newspaper
Fees may be updated. Contact the Register of Wills at (717) 771-9607 for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the Register of Wills for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes the 9-month inventory and tax return deadlines.
Local Resources
York County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: yorkcountypa.gov/385/Register-of-Wills
- E-Filing for Wills & Estates: yorkcountypa.gov/1140/E-File-for-Wills-Estates
- Estate Record Search: yorkcountypa.gov/932/Search-Estate-Records
- Forms: yorkcountypa.gov/427/Forms
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- MidPenn Legal Services — York: (717) 846-0679
- York County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (717) 854-8755
Publication
- York Legal Record: 137 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 — designated legal journal for York County estate notices