Fairview solo practice west of Erie serving Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Forest counties in northwestern Pennsylvania since 1989. Attorney Alan Natalie guides executors and administrators through probate and estate administration, from collecting assets and paying debts to filing taxes and distributing property, and litigates will contests and fiduciary and inheritance disputes. Consultations are free.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Erie County, Pennsylvania
How probate works in Erie County: the Orphans' Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Erie County Orphans' Court
Erie County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 122, Erie, PA 16501
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Appointment required
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalAny filing the Orphans' Court rules permit may be filed electronically with the Clerk through the CourtPro system, after registering, in PDF form. Filings may also be brought in on paper. 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 requiredOpening an estate is by appointment only. The completed documents and the filing fee go to the Register of Wills first; the office then calls to schedule the executor or administrator to sign the petition and be sworn in, in Room 122 or by videoconference.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe Register's page links the forms for opening an estate: the estate information sheet, the petition for grant of letters, renunciation and witness oaths, and the notice and status report forms.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Check, Credit card, Debit card.Fees paid at the office are taken by cash, check or card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa). Fees for an electronic filing are paid by card.
Fax
1-814-451-7010
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works 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, 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 Erie County
What probate costs in Erie 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 Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 122, Erie.
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 Erie 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. Erie 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 Erie County Self-Filing Assessment.
Erie County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Guardianship petitions for minors filed in family court
Petitions for guardianship of a minor are filed as custody matters through the county custody office, not in the Orphans' Court. Guardianships of the estate of a minor and of incapacitated persons stay in the Orphans' Court.
SourceDocument Requirements
Documents sent ahead to open an estate
The petition for probate and grant of letters, the estate information sheet, a certified copy of the death certificate and the original will, if any, are sent to the Register of Wills with the filing fee before the appointment. Other documents may be needed depending on 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 Erie County
In Erie 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
Erie 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
Erie County · Coroner's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 7, Erie, PA 16501
Website
Release of remains
1-814-452-2911 · After-hours answering service
Mail and offices
Fax
1-814-451-6183
Verified November 3, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Erie 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 Erie County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 121, Erie, PA 16501. Phone: 1-814-451-6246. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The Recorder of Deeds charges $87 for the first 4 pages plus $2 for each page beyond 4.
Erie County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile and CSC.
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
Erie County · Clerk of Records, Recorder of Deeds Division
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 121, Erie, PA 16501
Website
E-recording
Fax
1-814-451-6213
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 4 pages) | $87 |
| 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 17, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form · Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Erie County
Pennsylvania allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Erie 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 Erie 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.
Erie County firm on West 10th Street in Erie, with a Pittsburgh office, whose Estate Planning & Administration Group handles estate administration with a team of estate administration paralegals it describes as the largest in the region. Also prepares wills and trusts, guardianships, special needs trusts and Medicaid asset protection plans.
Downtown Erie firm at 100 State Street with a multi-partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Represents executors and administrators through estate administration, including inventories and appraisements, the creditor claim process, valuation of assets for tax purposes and final distribution, and handles trust administration, guardianships and estate, gift and inheritance tax matters. Litigates trust and estate disputes in the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court.
Erie firm at 300 State Street, founded in 1897, practicing in all counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. Represents clients in the probate and administration of decedents' estates, conservatorships and guardianships, advises individual and corporate fiduciaries, and handles post-mortem tax elections, disclaimers and family settlement agreements. Represents clients in audits, appeals and litigation in Orphans' Court and before the IRS in estate and gift tax matters.
Veteran-owned elder law and estate planning firm based in Butler, with offices in Erie, Cranberry Township, Franklin, Greenville and Indiana serving Western Pennsylvania. Handles probate, estate and trust administration from a free initial consultation through the executor or administrator appointment, alongside guardianships, Medicaid planning and asset protection; meetings are in person, by video or by phone.
Williamsport elder law and special needs planning firm with offices in State College, Altoona, Wilkes-Barre, Muncy, Wyalusing, and Wysox. Handles probate and estate administration, including collecting assets, paying estate taxes, and distributing the estate, and litigates will contests, guardianships, and trustee removals. Attorneys Julieanne Steinbacher and Landon Hodges are Certified Elder Law Attorneys.
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
- Erie Orphans' Court, official page
- Erie County Recorder of Deeds, official page
- Erie 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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