West Chester estate and probate firm on West Gay Street, with a second office on North Duke Street in Lancaster, serving Chester and Lancaster County families. Guides executors and personal representatives through probate filing requirements, notices to creditors, creditor claims and distribution, and represents the estate in disputes among beneficiaries and in estate litigation. Also handles guardianships, special needs trusts, and Medicaid and VA planning.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Chester County, Pennsylvania
How probate works in Chester County: the Orphans' Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Chester County Orphans' Court
Chester County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM (estate probates and account filings)
Office
Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, Suite 2200, West Chester, PA 19380
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Appointment required
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalThe Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court accept certain estate filings by fax or email, including the certification of notice, the status report, the estate inventory and an attorney's entry of appearance; the fax confirmation or email read receipt is the filing receipt. The petition for letters is signed and filed in the office. Guardians may file the inventory and annual reports online through the statewide Guardianship Tracking System, with an access code from the Clerk of the Orphans' Court.
Filing in person
Appointment requiredEstate probates are taken in person by appointment only, booked online from the Register's page or by calling 610-344-6335. Probates and account filings run 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and an applicant more than 15 minutes late may need to be rescheduled.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe office provides the petition for letters and the other forms used to administer an estate, including the inheritance tax return. Staff cannot give legal advice.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Check, Credit card, Debit card.Probate fees are paid by cash, check or card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover). Card payments carry a processing charge of 2.25 percent, with a $1.50 minimum.
Hearing schedule
- Accounts are audited at 9:00 a.m. on one Wednesday a month, with no audit in January or July. Accounts for an audit are filed in the office by 4:00 p.m. on the filing deadline the audit calendar sets, about a month before the audit.
County forms
- Estate Settlement Information PacketThe office's information packet on settling a decedent's estate.
- Short Certificate Request FormRequests additional short certificates for an estate already on file in this office.
- Small Estate Petition and DecreeThe county's petition and decree for a small estate under the Orphans' Court rules.
- Praecipe to Re-Open EstateFiled by the former executor or administrator to reopen a closed estate.
Fax
1-610-344-6218
About the court
- Other filings are accepted until 4:15 PM.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Chester 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 Chester County, probate runs through the Orphans' Court at Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, Suite 2200, West Chester. Probate e-filing in Chester County goes through chesco.org, which no other Pennsylvania county uses.
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 Chester County
What probate costs in Chester 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 Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, Suite 2200, West Chester.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Additional probate fee when the inventory shows a larger estate.
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 Chester 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. Electronic probate filing sets Chester County apart — only 15 Pennsylvania counties accept it, with the rest filing 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 Chester County Self-Filing Assessment.
Chester 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 open an estate
Bring the original will and any codicils, the death certificate showing Chester County as the county of residence, photo identification for each person qualifying as executor or administrator, and the approximate value of the estate at the date of death. Staff cannot help value the estate.
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 Chester County
In Chester 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
Chester 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
Chester County · Chester County Coroner's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
601 Westtown Road, Suite 090, West Chester, PA 19382
Website
Cremation authorization
Signed by this office
Mail and offices
Fax
1-610-344-6018
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Chester 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 Chester County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at 313 West Market Street, Suite 3302, West Chester, PA 19380. Phone: 1-610-344-6330. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
The Recorder of Deeds charges $95 for the first 4 pages plus $4 for each page beyond 4.
Chester County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile and CSC.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Chester County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
313 West Market Street, Suite 3302, West Chester, PA 19380
Website
E-recording
Fax
1-610-344-6408
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 4 pages) | $94.75 |
| Each page beyond 4 | $4 |
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 17, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form · Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Chester County
Pennsylvania allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Chester 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 Chester 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.
Media firm, serving Delaware County since 1964 with a second office in West Chester, whose estates department handles estate and trust administration, probate, inheritance tax and fiduciary income tax returns, accountings, and guardianships. Its estate litigators represent clients in will contests and other estate and trust disputes in the Orphans' Courts of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties. Also prepares wills, revocable trusts, and estate tax plans.
Heckscher, Teillon, Terrill & Sager, P.C.
1001 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 1-300, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
West Conshohocken trust and estate firm in Montgomery County, founded in 1994, that appears before the Register of Wills and Orphans' Courts throughout Pennsylvania. Represents executors and trustees in probating wills, filing federal estate, state death and fiduciary income tax returns, and discharging the executor by family agreement or formal audit, and litigates will and trust contests, fiduciary accountings, surcharge and removal, and contested guardianships for beneficiaries and fiduciaries alike.
Philadelphia firm on Walnut Street handling estate probate and administration in Philadelphia County and across Southeastern Pennsylvania. Serves executors, administrators, heirs and trustees from appointment and estate advertising through inventory, tax returns, final accounting and distribution, and readies inherited homes for sale for out-of-state fiduciaries who settle the estate remotely.
Eagle Road firm in Wayne, with a West Chester office by appointment, serving families in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Guides personal representatives from letters at the Register of Wills through asset gathering, notice to heirs, creditor advertising, debts and final accounting, and prepares the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return (REV-1500) and federal estate tax return (Form 706) in house. Also handles trust administration, guardianships and contested guardianships, special needs trusts and long-term care planning.
Estate-law boutique with its main office on Delancey Place in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square and meeting locations in Glenside, Doylestown and King of Prussia, serving Philadelphia and the Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh and Lancaster County areas as well as New Jersey. Helps executors and administrators probate and settle estates, administers trusts and guardianships, and litigates will contests and trust, probate and guardianship disputes; the firm has focused only on estate law for more than two decades and offers a free consultation.
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
- Chester County Orphans' Court, official page
- Chester County Recorder of Deeds, official page
- Chester 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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