Estate Planning & Probate in Erie, Pennsylvania
Most Erie County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Orphans' Court details.
The Probate Process in Erie 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 Erie, probate runs through the Orphans' Court at Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 122, Erie. Erie County runs probate e-filing through courtpro.eriecountypa.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
Full Erie Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Orphans' Court
Erie County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Erie County · Clerk of Records · Aubrea Hagerty-Haynes
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$87 for the first 4 pages plus $2 for each page beyond 4; transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Orphans' Court
Parties must register before using the e-filing system, providing name, mailing address, email, phone number. Registration constitutes agreement to accept service of notices, opinions, and orders electronically. Legal papers must be submitted in PDF format. Petitions for Guardianship of a Minor are no longer filed in Orphans Court; they are filed as custody matters through family court. Guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults remain in Orphans Court.
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Erie County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
