Altoona solo practice of attorney Joel D. Peppetti, serving Blair County and neighboring Cambria, Bedford, and Huntingdon counties. He represents personal representatives in probate and estate administration, and represents personal representatives, heirs, and other interested parties in will and trust disputes. He also drafts and updates wills, trusts, living wills, and durable powers of attorney.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
How probate works in Bedford County: the Orphans' Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Bedford County Orphans' Court
Bedford County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
Bedford County Courthouse, 200 South Juliana Street, Room 106, Bedford, PA 15522
Website
Filing in person
Appointment required
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
Filing in person
Appointment requiredProbates and filings are taken from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; call 814-623-4836 or email the office to schedule an appointment. Same-day probate service stops at 4:00 PM. Attorneys may schedule a virtual probate by video conference, which is not offered for estates without a lawyer.
Self-represented filing
AllowedA personal representative administering an estate without a lawyer signs a Pro Se Petitioner Affidavit, receives an estate checklist and the Rule 10.5 and 10.6 forms, and takes responsibility for every filing. The forms page carries the petition, the Estate Information Sheet, the estate brochure and the publication request forms; staff cannot give legal advice or help complete documents.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCheck, Money order, Debit card, Credit card.The office accepts checks, money orders and debit or credit cards, and fees are payable in advance. Checks and money orders are payable to the Register of Wills as named on the fee bill, and inheritance tax payments to Register of Wills Agent.
County forms
- Estate Information brochureWhat to bring to probate a will, the deadlines that follow and the duties of the personal representative.
- Estate Information SheetThe information sheet completed and presented with the petition at probate.
- Pro Se Petitioner AffidavitSigned by a personal representative administering the estate without a lawyer.
- Legal Journal Request for Publication of Estate NoticeThe request to advertise the grant of letters in the Bedford County Legal Journal.
- Register of Wills fee billThe Register of Wills probate costs and other fees, effective November 20, 2025.
Fax
1-814-624-0488
Departments
- Clerk of the Orphans' Court1-814-623-4833The Clerk of the Orphans' Court takes accounts, petitions and guardianship filings; probate is at the Register of Wills.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Bedford 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 Bedford, probate runs through the Orphans' Court at Bedford County Courthouse, 200 South Juliana Street, Room 106, Bedford.
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 Bedford County
What probate costs in Bedford 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 Bedford County Courthouse, 200 South Juliana Street, Room 106, Bedford.
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 cases in Bedford County are filed at the Orphans' Court. File in person during business hours or by mail.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Clerk of the Orphans' Court.
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 Bedford County Self-Filing Assessment.
Bedford 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
What to bring to probate a will
The executor brings the original signed will, a petition for grant of letters, an original death certificate, a completed Estate Information Sheet, any renunciations and the probate fee, and signs the petition before the Register. Letters are granted only after the funeral unless probate is needed to fund the funeral or keep a business running.
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 Coroner in Bedford County
In Bedford 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
Bedford 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
Coroner
Bedford County · Coroner's Office
Mail and offices
Fax
1-814-623-2487
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Bedford 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 Bedford County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at Bedford County Courthouse, 200 South Juliana Street, Room 106, Bedford, PA 15522. Phone: 1-814-623-4836. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
The Recorder of Deeds charges $60 for the first 4 pages plus $2 for each page beyond 4.
Bedford County accepts electronic recording through CSC and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Bedford County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
Bedford County Courthouse, 200 South Juliana Street, Room 106, Bedford, PA 15522
Website
E-recording
Fax
1-814-624-0488
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 4 pages) | $59.75 |
| Each page beyond 4 | $2 |
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 Bedford County
Pennsylvania allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Bedford 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 a Bedford 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.
Solo practitioner on West Main Street in Somerset serving Somerset and Bedford counties. Handles probate and estate administration from filing the necessary documents through estate distributions, drafts wills and trusts, and also practices real estate law and corporate formation.
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.
Lemoyne firm at 301 Market Street, where its practice opened in 1914, with offices in Wyomissing, Lancaster and Lewistown serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Berks and Mifflin Counties. Guides executors and administrators through estate administration, from cataloging assets to paying debts, filing tax returns and distributing to beneficiaries, administers trusts and guardianships, and litigates estate and trust disputes between beneficiaries and trustees.
Harrisburg-based firm on Pine Street with Pennsylvania offices in Lancaster, York, Reading, State College, Pittsburgh, Plymouth Meeting and Radnor. Guides executors and trustees through estate and trust administration, including gathering assets, paying debts, inheritance, estate and income tax returns, fiduciary accountings and Orphans' Court petitions. Its fiduciary litigators handle surcharge actions, objections to accounts, elective share claims and guardianship proceedings in the Orphans' Court.
Harrisburg firm on North Front Street, with offices in Trevose and Sunbury and more than 50 years of service across Pennsylvania. Its estates and trusts attorneys guide executors and beneficiaries through probate proceedings, trust administration and contested estate matters. Also handles guardianships, special needs trusts, and elder law and Medicaid long-term care 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
- Bedford Orphans' Court, official page
- Bedford County Recorder of Deeds, official page
- Bedford 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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