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Register of Wills
 
This office takes appointments only for probate of estates. Please call for an appointment. The times are Monday through Friday at 9, 11 & 1.
 
REGISTER OF WILLS is the county office where a decedent's estate paperwork is processed.  When a person passes away, the Register of Wills appoints a personal representative to administer the estate.  If the decedent has a Will, the person(s) named in the Will should come to the Register's Office to probate.  If the decedent did not have a Will, the next-of-kin should come to the Register's Office to Probate.  Wills may only be probated in the county where the decedent was legally domiciled at the time of death.  The staff is not licensed to assist in completing the forms nor giving advice.  A complete checklist (Estate Checklist) can be provided to individuals not seeking legal counsel.  Professionals are recommended.
  
Do you have my Will on file?  No.  Living persons do NOT have wills on file at the Register of Wills office.  Original Wills are usually kept secure by the attorney who prepared them or a safe deposit box belonging to the Testator.
 
If I am named in the Will as an Executor, what do I need to do?  Being names does not confer any authority until the will is probated.  This authority is granted by the Register of Wills in a document called Letters.
 
How do I get a Short Certificate?  Because a short certificate is our certification that an estate proceeding is on record in our office, we can only issue them after the probate.  You may purchase as many short certificates as necessary from the Register's Office at any time AFTER the formal opening of an estate or probate of a will.
 
IF WE DO NOT HAVE AN ESTATE, WE CANNOT ISSUE A SHORT CERTIFICATE - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE BANKS, POST OFFICE OR OTHERS HAVE TOLD YOU.
 
What documents and person are required to Probate a Will:
 
  • a typed petition for probate and grant of letters
  • an original will, codicil
  • an original death certificate
  • person appearance of executor(s)
  • witness to will (not necessary if will is self-proven) OR notarized Affidavit of Subscribing Witness(es)
  • Certified English translation if will is written in a foreign language
  • Type, conformed copy of an handwritten will
  • Two checks- one to cover probate (fees based on value of estate) & one to the Armstrong County Legal Journal for advertising.  You will be responsible for newspaper.
  • Cash or check only for payment of fees.
 
Will you help me to probate/administer this estate?  No.  It is the duty and obligation of the person representative (executor or administrator) to know what must be done, when it must be done and how it must be done.  If you have no knowledge of the legal administration process for estates and/or the fiduciary laws of Pennsylvania, you should seek the help of legal counsel.  The Register of Wills and staff are not licensed to give legal advice.  Professions could actually save time and money in the long run due to their knowledge and experience.
 
Fees: Register of Will fees