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
Allegheny County
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Verified July 4, 2026 · Source
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. Allegheny County runs probate e-filing through alleghenycounty.us, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
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 months to 14 months to move through this process. The 12 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3532 (one year from first complete advertisement of the grant of letters — a risk-distribution protection period for the personal representative, not a nonclaim bar)Verified Sep 8, 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, 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 Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts) and Probate Section, Wills/Orphans' Court Division (probate appointments). Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
The Orphans' Court charges $50 - $950+ (based on estate value)42 P.S. § 21022.1; 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733Verified Sep 8, 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 1.9%No statutory fee schedule; the Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968). County percentage guidelines are not law — "[e]gregious error is committed when a court awards commissions and fees simply on a percentage basis without inquiry into the reasonableness of the compensation" (In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989), quoted in Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%No statutory fee schedule; the Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968). County percentage guidelines are not law — "[e]gregious error is committed when a court awards commissions and fees simply on a percentage basis without inquiry into the reasonableness of the compensation" (In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989), quoted in Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. 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. §§ 3171, 3174 (bond required before letters except as § 3174 provides; a PA-resident PR named in the will, or a PA-resident sole residuary legatee/next of kin, is excused by operation of law); § 3175 (court or register may still require bond)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Pennsylvania typically runs 9 months to 14 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
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. Allegheny County is one of 12 Pennsylvania counties that accept probate e-filing; most probate courts in the state still take filings on paper.
Filings here are routed through Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts) and Probate Section, Wills/Orphans' Court Division (probate appointments). Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
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
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.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
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.
SourcePre-scheduled probate appointments begin July 6, 2026
The Probate Section of the Wills/Orphans' Court Division offers pre-scheduled probate appointments in conjunction with existing walk-in services beginning Monday, July 6, 2026. Appointments are scheduled at 412-350-4195 or DCRProbate@AlleghenyCounty.us.
SourceBefore You Go
You can file in person without an appointment. Walk-in probate service is available. Beginning July 6, 2026, the Probate Section of the Wills/Orphans' Court Division also offers pre-scheduled probate appointments alongside walk-in service; call 412-350-4195 or email DCRProbate@AlleghenyCounty.us to schedule.
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.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Division of Real Estate.
Deeds and other real property documents for Allegheny County are recorded with the Division of Real Estate at County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: (412) 350-4636. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Division of Real Estate charges $200 flat, regardless of page count.
Allegheny County accepts electronic recording through CSC / eRecording Partners Network / ERX-Xerox / Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Allegheny County · Director, Division of Real Estate
Address
Phone
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E-recording
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $200 |
County fee schedule adopted under the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law (Act 87 of 1982, 16 P.S. § 11011-1 et seq.), 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733(a.1)(1)(v), and 53 Pa.C.S. § 6011
Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Pennsylvania allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Allegheny County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Pennsylvania are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.9%No statutory fee schedule; the Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968). County percentage guidelines are not law — "[e]gregious error is committed when a court awards commissions and fees simply on a percentage basis without inquiry into the reasonableness of the compensation" (In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989), quoted in Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%No statutory fee schedule; the Orphans' Court reviews reasonableness under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968). County percentage guidelines are not law — "[e]gregious error is committed when a court awards commissions and fees simply on a percentage basis without inquiry into the reasonableness of the compensation" (In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989), quoted in Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168)Verified Sep 8, 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.
FirmPittsburgh, PA
Locally 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.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmPittsburgh, PA
Bloomfield-neighborhood Pittsburgh firm handling Allegheny County probate for people named executor or trustee. Takes estates through the Register of Wills and represents beneficiaries in family estate disputes, including contested wills and claims that estate or trust funds were mismanaged. Consultations are free.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationGuardianshipand 2 more
FirmGreensburg, PA
Greensburg firm filing in the Westmoreland County Register of Wills, with offices in Latrobe, Pittsburgh, and Johnstown. Handles estate administration and probate, small estates, family settlement agreements, first and final accountings, lost wills, and estate litigation. Attorneys and accountants prepare the estate's inheritance and estate tax returns in-house.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationElder Lawand 4 more
FirmPittsburgh, PA
Downtown 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.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationGuardianshipand 2 more
FirmPittsburgh, PA
Downtown 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.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 3 more
FirmGlenshaw, PA
North Hills boutique firm in Glenshaw serving Allegheny, Butler, and Westmoreland counties in the Pittsburgh metro. Formed in 2013, it handles estate and trust planning and administration, probate, elder law, and guardianship.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawGuardianshipProbate Administration
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.
Data sourced from Pennsylvania statutes and official state code. How we research.
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