ProbateUS
Probate Court

Lackawanna County

Pennsylvania

570-963-6702

Phone

570-963-6702

Fax

570-963-6377

Website

Official Site →

Email

Contact Me

In Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, you file a probate case with the Lackawanna County probate court at 123 Wyoming Avenue, 5th Floor, Scranton, PA 18503. You can reach the court at 570-963-6702. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 90 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

123 Wyoming Avenue, 5th Floor, Scranton, PA 18503

Fax

570-963-6377

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate—

Required Forms

Affidavit of DeathAffidavit of DomicileApplication and Instructions for Employer Identification EIN Number Form SS-4Application for Birth RecordsApplication for Death RecordsApplication for Genealogy Search: Wills/EstatesCaveatCaveat / Bond of CaveatCitationEstate InventoryFamily ExemptionsFee ScheduleNotice of Intention to Appeal from RegisterOut-of-State Commission ChecklistPA O.C. Certification of Notice under Rule 10.5PA O.C. Rule 10.5 Notice of Estate AdministrationPA O.C. Rule 10.6 Status ReportPA 20 CS Payments to Family/Funeral Directors/Settlement of Small Estates Not Exceeding $50,000

Probate Forms Library

90 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

Every Lackawanna Countyform, with a short summary and the official source →
2025 Orphans' Court CalendarcountyDownload
2026 Orphans Court CalendarcountyDownload
Accounting/Audit Check ListcountyDownload
Affidavit of DeathcountyDownload
Affidavit of DomicilecountyDownload
SS-4 — Application and Instructions for Employer Identification EIN Number Form SS-4countyDownload
Application for Elderly Extension or Tax DeferralcountyDownload
JUNE-17 — Application For Genealogy Searches: Wills/EstatescountyDownload
CaveatcountyDownload
Caveat / Bond of CaveatcountyDownload
RUE-10 — Certification Of Notice Under Rule 10.5countyDownload
Estate Information SheetcountyDownload
RW-09 — Estate InventorycountyDownload
SSA-11 — Guardian ChecklistcountyDownload
JUNE-2018 — Guardian Cover SheetcountyDownload
Guardians Inventory for an Incapacitated Person – 007071countyDownload
25.22 — Guardianship ChecklistcountyDownload
Lackawanna County Local Orphans' Court RulescountyDownload
Lackawanna County Orphans' Court RulescountyDownload
Mental Health Court ApplicationcountyDownload
Natural Parents Waiver of Confidentiality of Adoption RecordscountyDownload
OC07 — Notice of ClaimcountyDownload
Notice of Intention to Appeal from RegistercountyDownload
RW-05 — Oath of Witness to Will Executed by MARKcountyDownload
RULE-10 — PA O.C. Rule 10.5 Notice of Estate AdministrationcountyDownload
Payments To Family, Funeral Directors, Settlement Of Small EstatescountyDownload
Pennsylvania Orphans' Court RulescountyDownload
2.4 — Petition for Adjudication Decedents EstatecountyDownload
2.4 — Petition for Adjudication Guardian of Estate of Incapacitated PersoncountyDownload
2.4 — Petition for Adjudication Guardian of Estate of MinorcountyDownload
2.4 — Petition for Adjudication Principals Estate (Under Power of Attorney)countyDownload
2.4 — Petition for Adjudication TrustcountyDownload
4904 — Petition for Guardianship Review HearingcountyDownload
Petition for Involuntary TerminationcountyDownload
Petition for Probate, Grant of LetterscountyDownload
10.5 — Pro-Se AffidavitcountyDownload
Probate PacketcountyDownload
Register of Wills / Clerk of Orphans’ Court Fee SchedulecountyDownload
Report of Guardian of the Estate – 007068countyDownload
Report of Guardian of the Person – 007069countyDownload
Unavailable Witness AffidavitcountyDownload
Waiver of Fiduciary BondcountyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
[PETITION FOR PROBATE AND GRANT OF LETTERSJudicial System of PennsylvaniastateDownload
2.4 — DECEDENT'S ESTATEJudicial System of PennsylvaniastateDownload
Grants System AdministratorstateDownload
Guardianship Bench BookstateDownload

How Probate Works in Lackawanna County

Probate in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

The Lackawanna County Orphans' Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Lackawanna County, PA, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Pennsylvania, the orphans' court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Pennsylvania?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Pennsylvania's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Lackawanna County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Lackawanna County Orphans' Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Pennsylvania law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Pennsylvania, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Pennsylvania does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Lackawanna County Orphans' Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Lackawanna County Orphans' Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Funeral homes near the Lackawanna County probate court

Additional Notes

The Register of Wills manages filings dating back to 1878, making it an excellent resource for genealogical research. Probates are by Appointment Only! Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, credit, or debit cards.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in Lackawanna County, PA?

Probate petitions for estates in Lackawanna County are filed at the Lackawanna County Orphans' Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Lackawanna County?

Probate filing fees in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the orphans' court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?

Probate in Pennsylvania typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Lackawanna County?

While not always legally required in Pennsylvania, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Pennsylvania, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Lackawanna County Orphans' Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

Jerry Chariton

Chariton & Malak

Wilkes Barre · 16 mi

Eric Strauss

Worth, Magee and Fisher, P.C.

Allentown · 55 mi

Trust and Estate AdministrationGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Dionysios Pappas

Vasiliadis Pappas Associates LLC

Bethlehem · 55 mi

Asset ProtectionElder Law+5

Kirby Upright

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC

Bethlehem · 56 mi

Julieanne Steinbacher

Steinbacher, Goodall and Yurchak

Williamsport · 70 mi

Elder LawGeneral Trust & Estate+1
See more attorneys near Lackawanna County→

Related Resources

PennsylvaniaProbate Guide →All PennsylvaniaCourts →Lackawanna CountyProbate Forms →Banks and Insurers to Notify →