ProbateUS
Probate Court

Tioga County

Pennsylvania

570-724-9260

Phone

570-724-9260

Probate Records

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Court Location & Contact

Address

118 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901

Search Probate RecordsVisit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Tioga County, Pennsylvania

Fee TypeAmount
Letters of Administration or Testamentary Estates Not Exceeding $1,000.00$25.00
Letters of Administration or Testamentary Over $1,000.00 and not exceeding $5,000.00$30.00

Required Forms

Probate PetitionCopy of death certificateThe will (if one exists)Copy of the petitioner's ID

Probate Forms Library

49 fillable forms — scroll to browse

ACT-57 — Act 57 of 2022 Request for Waiver (opens in a new window)countyDownload
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

Probate Guide

Probate in Tioga County, Pennsylvania

The Tioga 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 Tioga 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 Tioga County

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

  2. File a petition with the Tioga 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 Tioga County Orphans' Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Tioga 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 oversees the probate of wills and appoints personal representatives for decedents who resided in Tioga County. To Open an Estate - you must schedule an appointment, and the oath (swearing-in) of the personal representative is completed remotely via Zoom. To start the probate process in Tioga County, PA is to email all required probate documents to Keriane Chaborek. All documents are public records.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQ

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

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

How much does probate cost in Tioga County?

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

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Pennsylvania

Julieanne Steinbacher

Steinbacher, Goodall and Yurchak

Williamsport · 38 mi

Elder LawGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Jerry Chariton

Chariton & Malak

Wilkes Barre · 81 mi

Marielle Hazen

Hazen Law Group

Harrisburg · 101 mi

Elder LawGeneral Trust & Estate+2

Vicky Trimmer

Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC

Lemoyne · 105 mi

General Trust & EstateBusiness Planning+1

Jay Wagner

Stevens & Lee

Reading · 121 mi

Fiduciary LitigationTestamentary Planning+1
See more attorneys near Tioga County →

Related Resources

Pennsylvania Probate Guide →All Pennsylvania Courts →Financial Institutions →