What to Do When Someone Dies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Probate in Allegheny County runs through the Orphans' Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Allegheny County, settling their estate runs through the Orphans' Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Orphans' Court
Allegheny County
Address
City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, 1st FloorPittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone
Fax
412-350-3028
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing optional
Departments
- Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts)412-350-5550The court-side Orphans' Court (Fifth Judicial District) examines accounts and petitions for decedent estates, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianships; separate from the Register of Wills probate counter.
Verified June 2, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Allegheny County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Allegheny County, probate runs through the Orphans' Court at City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Pennsylvania intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Pennsylvania estates take 9 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wagesVerified Jun 19, 2026View source to 14 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wagesVerified Jun 19, 2026View source to move through this process. The 12 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3532Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Allegheny County
What probate costs in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Orphans' Court at City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh.
Probate matters are handled through the Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts). Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court: Video conferencing available for Administration of Oaths. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
The Orphans' Court charges $40042 P.S. § 21022.1; 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Orphans' Court accepts e-filing (https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Government/Court-Related/Wills-and-Orphans/Online-Filing-and-Retrieval). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Pennsylvania are negotiated, typically 3%No statutory fee schedule; Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness (In re LaRocca's Trust Estate, 431 Pa. 542 (1968) factors; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 5%No statutory fee schedule; Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness (In re LaRocca's Trust Estate, 431 Pa. 542 (1968) factors; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 3%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Pennsylvania requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3171Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Pennsylvania typically runs 9 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wagesVerified Jun 19, 2026View source to 14 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wagesVerified Jun 19, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 12 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3532Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the Orphans' Court
Probate documents in Allegheny County can be filed in person at the Orphans' Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Filings here are routed through the Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts). Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Guardian Inventory (G-05)
- •Guardian Report of Person (G-02)
- •Guardian Report of Estate (G-03)
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Orphans' Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Allegheny County Self-Filing Assessment.
Allegheny County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Video conferencing available for Administration of Oaths
The Register of Wills offers video conferencing for Administration of Oaths, allowing remote oath-taking before the Register.
SourceWhat to Bring
To file at the Orphans' Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Allegheny County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the Recorder of Deeds.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Allegheny County · Recorder of Deeds
Address
County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 101Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Available via Simplifile / CSCE-recording info →
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $28.5 |
| Per additional page | $4.5 |
| REV-183 Statement of ValueRequiredall_deedsRequired for all deeds presented for recording. No filing fee for the form itself, but must accompany the deed. PA Dept. of Revenue form. | $0 |
First page fee ($28.50) includes Affordable Housing surcharge. Each additional page $4.50. UPI (Uniform Parcel Identifier) required on all documents per 21 Pa.C.S. § 3301.
42 Pa.C.S. § 21101.1; Act 137 of 1992 (Affordable Housing)
Transfer tax
1% of consideration (72 P.S. § 8102-C) State; Up to 1% local transfer tax; most municipalities levy the full 1% for a combined 2% total. Philadelphia levies 3.278% local for a combined 4.278% total. local. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Pennsylvania does not currently authorize TOD deeds. For other exempt transfers (e.g., transfers to trusts with no consideration), see 72 P.S. § 8102-C.3.). Transfer tax is split equally between grantor and grantee unless otherwise agreed. Exemptions include transfers between spouses, parent-child transfers for $0 consideration, and transfers to revocable trusts.
Verified March 22, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Allegheny County
Pennsylvania uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Allegheny County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Pennsylvania are based on reasonable compensation — typically 3%No statutory fee schedule; Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness (In re LaRocca's Trust Estate, 431 Pa. 542 (1968) factors; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 5%No statutory fee schedule; Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness (In re LaRocca's Trust Estate, 431 Pa. 542 (1968) factors; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Allegheny County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Orphans' Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Pittsburgh Metropolitan Firms
American Wills & Estates
FirmLocally founded, owned and operated Pittsburgh law firm with a practice limited to Probate Estate Administration, Estate Planning and Real Estate law. Over 125 years of combined legal experience across seven locations throughout the Greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania area.
Location
2100 Wharton Street, Suite 302Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone
(412) 381-7370
Established
1997
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Visit site
Evashavik Law, LLC
FirmDowntown Pittsburgh firm in the Grant Building guiding executors through Allegheny County probate and estate administration. Handles wills, living trusts, guardianships, powers of attorney, and contested probate matters, with a free initial estate consultation.
Location
310 Grant Street, Suite 2901Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone
(412) 261-2813
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationEstate LitigationWills TrustsTrust AdministrationGuardianship
Free consultationVisit site
Houston Harbaugh, P.C.
FirmDowntown Pittsburgh firm at Three Gateway Center serving Allegheny County individuals, families, and business owners. Prepares wills, living trusts, and living wills, administers estates and trusts, and handles estate and trust litigation alongside tax and asset-protection planning.
Location
401 Liberty Avenue, 22nd FloorPittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone
(412) 281-5060
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness Succession
Visit site
Pittsburgh Estate Law, PC
FirmBoutique law firm in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh providing experienced, compassionate representation in Estate and Trusts, Elder Law, Real Estate and Business Law. Formed in 2013 by three sole practitioners.
Location
1501 Mount Royal BlvdGlenshaw, PA 15116
Phone
(412) 487-3997
Established
2013
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawProbate AdministrationGuardianship
Visit site
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
FirmDowntown Pittsburgh firm at One PPG Place with a ten-attorney estates and trusts group serving Allegheny County. Drafts wills and trusts, files and administers estates and probate, and handles trust administration including compliance and tax filings.
Location
One PPG Place, Suite 1500Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone
(412) 566-1212
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionEstate Litigation
Visit site
West & Zuberbuhler, P.C.
FirmBeaver County firm with 32 years of experience drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills, plus probate, trust administration, and litigation across Western Pennsylvania.
Location
401 Brkich Way, Suite 5Beaver, PA 15009
Phone
(724) 774-8448
Established
1993
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsTrust AdministrationPowers Of AttorneyEstate Litigation
Free consultationVisit site
Zacharia Brown & Bratkovich
FirmLife Care Planning Elder Law Firm in Western Pennsylvania, helping families with asset preservation planning, Medicaid and Veterans Benefits eligibility, care management, and estate planning.
Location
108 W McMurray RoadCanonsburg, PA 15317
Phone
(724) 942-6200
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningElder LawProbate AdministrationMedicaid PlanningVeterans BenefitsAsset Protection
Visit site
Statewide Practices
Pennsylvania Probate Law Firm
FirmDedicated probate and estate administration attorneys serving all of Pennsylvania with comprehensive probate services. Also assists out-of-state executors managing PA probate.
Location
230 S. Broad Street, 17th FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19102
Phone
(215) 918-4242
Service Area
Statewide
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationEstate Litigation
Visit site
Scaringi Law
FirmHarrisburg probate litigation firm with 18 attorneys across 6 locations, with experience successfully advocating for clients throughout Pennsylvania in contested probate matters.
Location
2000 Linglestown Road, Suite 106Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone
(717) 775-7195
Service Area
Statewide
Probate LitigationEstate LitigationElder LawEstate Planning
Visit site
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wages
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3171
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3532
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)
- 42 P.S. § 21022.1; 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733
- No statutory fee schedule; Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness (In re LaRocca's Trust Estate, 431 Pa. 542 (1968) factors; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)
Data sourced from Pennsylvania statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Orphans' Court in Allegheny County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $591.25). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Allegheny County, that means filing fees (about $591.25 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The Orphans' Court in Allegheny County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Pennsylvania self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Pennsylvania probate typically closes in 6–9 months; average estates run 9–14 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Allegheny County probate.
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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