Fee Type	Amount
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value not exceeding $5,000	$60.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $5,001.00 to $25,000.00	$150.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $25,001.00 to $50,000.00	$170.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $50,001.00 to $75,000.00	$200.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $75,001.00 to $100,000.00	$230.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $100,001.00 to $200,000.00	$285.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $200,001.00 to $300,000.00	$340.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $300,001.00 to $400,000.00	$395.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $400,001.00 to $500,000.00	$490.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $500,001.00 to $600,000.00	$550.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $600,001.00 to $700,000.00	$600.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $700,001.00 to $800,000.00	$650.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $800,001.00 to $900,000.00	$800.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $900,001.00 to $1,000,000.00	$850.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $1,000,001.00 to $1,500,000.00	$1,100.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $1,500,001.00 to $2,000,000.00	$1,300.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $2,000,001.00 to $2,500,000.00	$1,800.00
Grant of Letters (Administration, Testamentary or Administration, C.T.A.) Estate Value $2,500,001.00 to $3,000,000.00	$2,300.00
Each additional million over $3,000,001.00	$1,500.00
Will	$50.00
Codicil	$50.00
Probate only (no letters)	$80.00
Letters of Administration D.B.N.	$80.00
Letters of Administration D.B.N., C.T.A.	$80.00
Letters for Purpose of Suit	$100.00
JCS Surcharge on Petitions for Letters and First Filings	$40.25
Automation Fee on all Letters and First Filings	$20.00

Judges & Officers

Honorable Jacqueline L. Russell

Honorable Charles M. Miller

Honorable James P. Goodman

Honorable Christina E. Hale

Honorable Christopher W. Hobbs

Judge Bill Burke

Probate Guide

Probate in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

The Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Schuylkill County Orphans' Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Pennsylvania law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
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 Schuylkill County Orphans' Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Schuylkill 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.

Additional Notes

The Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans' Court handles estates, guardianships, and adoptions.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FAQ

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

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

How much does probate cost in Schuylkill County?

Probate filing fees in Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County Orphans' Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

ACTEC Fellows in Pennsylvania

Adam Gusdorff

Heckscher, Teillon, Terrill & Sager, P.C.

West Conshohocken

Fiduciary LitigationTrust and Estate Administration

Alison Smith

McNees, Wallace & Nurick, LLC

Pittsburgh

Charitable PlanningFiduciary Litigation+1

Amy Ufberg

Dechert LLP

Philadelphia

Business PlanningGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Ann Loftus

Ballard Spahr, LLP

Philadelphia

General Trust & EstateCharitable Planning+1

Aubrey Glover

Brenlove & Fuller, LLC

Bridgeville

View all Pennsylvania attorneys →

Related Resources

Pennsylvania Probate Guide →All Pennsylvania Courts →Financial Institutions →

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