Estate Planning & Probate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There are two reasons people look up Philadelphia County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Orphans' Court details.
The Probate Process in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, probate runs through the Orphans' Court at City Hall, Room 180, Philadelphia. Philadelphia County runs probate e-filing through rowlawyer.phila.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
Full Philadelphia Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Orphans' Court
Philadelphia County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Department of Records
Philadelphia County · Commissioner · James P. Leonard
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$278.75 flat, regardless of page count; transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Orphans' Court
The court offers a self-help center, in City Hall, Room 180. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 215-686-6255 for details.
Pennsylvania Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Philadelphia County.
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