Downtown Pittsburgh firm, a division of Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, with a practice limited to probate estate administration, estate planning and real estate, and five offices across Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Petitions to have the executor or administrator appointed by the Register of Wills, handles creditor claims, prepares the inheritance and estate tax returns and the pleadings to close the estate, and takes on Orphans' Court will contests and trustee-malfeasance claims. Most probate work is billed at a written flat fee paid when the administration is complete.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
How probate works in Allegheny County: the Orphans' Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Allegheny County Orphans' Court
Allegheny County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Website
Files probate
Probate Section, Wills and Orphans' Court Division
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalThe Department of Court Records runs an e-filing and retrieval system with a Wills/Orphans' Court Division login, which takes Orphans' Court filings and shows dockets and filed documents; registration is required. Guardians may file the inventory and annual reports online through the statewide Guardianship Tracking System.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedThe Probate Section takes walk-ins and, since July 6, 2026, pre-scheduled probate appointments; call 412-350-4195 or email DCRProbate@AlleghenyCounty.us to schedule. No applications are processed after 4:00 PM. Attorneys may request a video conference for the administration of oaths; self-represented filers may not.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe probate forms page carries the county instructions for probate applications, the petition for probate of an authenticated copy of a will, the bond and the statewide forms. Staff do not give legal advice or recommend attorneys.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Credit card, Check.Probate fees may be paid by cash, credit card, or an attorney, estate or business check. Personal checks are not accepted.
County forms
- Instructions for Probate ApplicationsThe Department of Court Records filing steps for a probate: the petition, the original will and a copy, witness affidavits, the death certificate, payment and the filings due after letters.
- Petition for Probate of Authenticated Copy of WillPresented when filing an authenticated record of a will probated elsewhere.
- Will Search Request FormA request to search the Department of Court Records for a filed will; it may be mailed in with a money order.
Departments
- Probate Section, Wills and Orphans' Court Division1-412-350-4195 · Takes probate filings · dcrprobate@alleghenycounty.usThe Probate Section takes probate applications, walk-in or by appointment, and schedules attorney video conferences for oaths.
- Orphans' Court (Audits, Estates and Trusts)1-412-350-5550 · 1700 Frick Building, 437 Grant Street · Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PMThe court's Audit Department examines accounts and petitions for distribution for decedents' estates, trusts, powers of attorney and guardianships, and reviews petitions to settle small estates.
- Inheritance taxCity-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Room 216Pennsylvania inheritance tax forms are available, returns are filed and the tax is paid in Room 216 on the second floor of the City-County Building.
Verified October 16, 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. Allegheny County runs probate e-filing through dcr.alleghenycounty.us, the only Pennsylvania county on that system.
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. Creditors have 12 months20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3162, 3381-3392, 3532Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
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.
The Orphans' Court charges $50 - $950+ (based on estate value)42 P.S. § 21022.1; 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733; 204 Pa. Code § 29.351(c), (g)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Pennsylvania are negotiated, typically 1.9%Modeled estimate under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968); In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989); Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168 (no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%Modeled estimate under In re Trust Estate of LaRocca, 431 Pa. 542, 246 A.2d 337 (1968); In re Estate of Preston, 560 A.2d 160, 165 (Pa. Super. 1989); Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168 (no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Pennsylvania allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules pay20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (compensation "reasonable and just"; no statutory percentage); In re Estate of Sonovick, 541 A.2d 374, 376 (Pa. Super. 1988); Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Pennsylvania requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3171, 3174 (bond before letters except as § 3174 provides; a PA-resident PR named in the will or sole residuary legatee excused); § 3175 (bond may still be required)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.
How to File Probate at the Orphans' Court
Probate documents in Allegheny County can be filed in person at the Probate Section, Wills and Orphans' Court Division of 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 15 Pennsylvania counties that accept probate e-filing; most probate courts in the state still take filings on paper.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
In Pennsylvania, informal probate is available20 Pa.C.S. § 901 (register jurisdiction over probate and letters), § 3155 (register grants letters), § 908 (appeal from the register's decree to the Orphans' Court)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
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.
Document Requirements
Original will, one photocopy and an original death certificate
A probate application needs one typed petition, the original will with one photocopy and an original death certificate. Subscribing witnesses to a will that is not self-proving may appear in person or give notarized affidavits.
SourceCourt Appearances
Video conference oaths for attorney-represented probates
An attorney may request a Microsoft Teams video conference for the oath before the Register after submitting the petition copy, the original will, the death certificate and the other originals in person or by mail. Both the attorney and the petitioner take part, and the signed petition and fees are due within five business days after the conference.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Orphans' Court: Original will and any codicils, presented to the Register of Wills of the county of the decedent’s last family or principal residence (20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3131, 3132); Original (raised-seal) death certificate, presented at the county Register of Wills — county intake practice, not a statutory, rule, or statewide-form requirement for a grant of letters; Completed RW-02 Petition for Grant of Letters (rev. 10/11/2011), including the Oath of Personal Representative on page 220 Pa.C.S. §§ 3155-3157 (persons entitled; nonresidents); § 901 (register’s jurisdiction)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Allegheny County
In Allegheny County certified copies of the death certificate come from Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records; the Local Registrar files the certificate and issues no copies to the public.
Vital Records Office Record
Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
Allegheny County · State vital records office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (except holidays; Philadelphia by appointment only)
Website
Certified copies
From Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of Vital Records; the Local Registrar files the certificate and issues no copies to the public
Division of Vital Records
Death Certificate Processing Unit
P.O. Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
Phone
1-724-656-3100Monday-Friday 7:15 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $20 |
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Allegheny County · Office of the Medical Examiner
Phone
Office
1520 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Website
Cremation authorization
Signed by this office
Mail and offices
Fax
1-412-350-4899
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Allegheny County
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 Recorder of Deeds.
Deeds and other real property documents for Allegheny County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: 1-412-350-4636. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
The Recorder of Deeds charges $200 flat, regardless of page count.
Allegheny County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN, ERXchange and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Allegheny County · Division of Real Estate
Phone
1-412-350-4636 (option 2)
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Website
Fees
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 October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form · Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Allegheny County
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, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask an 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 firm on Penn Avenue representing people in Allegheny County and the surrounding area who have been named executor or trustee. Handles every part of estate administration, including the inheritance tax return, and represents executors, trustees, beneficiaries and family members in probate litigation over will and trust contests, undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity and misappropriation of assets. Also handles guardianships of incapacitated adults and minor children alongside a family law practice.
Greensburg firm practicing wills, trusts, estate planning and estate administration in Westmoreland County since 1985, with further 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, with attorneys and accountants together on the estate's federal estate and Pennsylvania inheritance tax work. Also prepares wills, trusts and powers of attorney and handles guardianships and elder law.
Family-owned downtown Pittsburgh firm on Grant Street that has handled more than 1,000 estates, guiding executors through admitting a will at the Register of Wills, opening an estate when there is no will, and preparing the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return. Also handles probate litigation, guardianships, wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney; the probate fee is generally based on the size of the probate estate, and the first probate consultation is free.
Allegheny County firm whose Estate Planning & Administration Group works from offices in downtown Pittsburgh, the North Hills and Oakmont. Guides executors and administrators through probate with the Register of Wills and the collection and distribution of estate assets, and handles wills and trusts litigation, special needs and guardianship matters, and Medicaid issues.
Downtown Pittsburgh firm at Three Gateway Center, practicing since 1975, whose estates and trusts group works with individuals, families, business owners, executors, trustees and agents. Handles estate and trust administration, fiduciary and trustee representation, and probate, estate and trust litigation, alongside wills, living trusts, tax and asset-protection planning, Medicaid and long-term care planning, guardianships and business succession planning.
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
(9)·
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (compensation "reasonable and just"; no statutory percentage); In re Estate of Sonovick, 541 A.2d 374, 376 (Pa. Super. 1988); Estate of Andrews, 2026 PA Super 168
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 901 (register jurisdiction over probate and letters), § 3155 (register grants letters), § 908 (appeal from the register's decree to the Orphans' Court)
- 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3155-3157 (persons entitled; nonresidents); § 901 (register’s jurisdiction)
- 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3162, 3381-3392, 3532
- 42 P.S. § 21022.1; 42 Pa.C.S. § 3733; 204 Pa. Code § 29.351(c), (g)
- 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
- Allegheny County Orphans' Court, official page
- Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds, official page
- Allegheny County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Pennsylvania statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Pennsylvania
Free tools for settling an estate in Pennsylvania: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Pennsylvania: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 270 days20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3301-3303Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 12 months20 Pa.C.S. §§ 3162, 3381-3392, 3532Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Pennsylvania happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust Code20 Pa.C.S. § 7701 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 30 days20 Pa.C.S. § 7780.3Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Pennsylvania, informal probate is available20 Pa.C.S. § 901 (register jurisdiction over probate and letters), § 3155 (register grants letters), § 908 (appeal from the register's decree to the Orphans' Court)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
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