How Much Does Probate Cost in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Philadelphia County can expect.
Before starting probate at the Orphans' Court, most families want to know what it will cost. The total depends on a few factors: filing fees, attorney fees, and the complexity of the estate.
In Pennsylvania, attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 and typically run 3%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 to 5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 of estate value. For simpler estates, flat-fee arrangements with Philadelphia-area attorneys are common.
Estimate the total cost for this estate:
The Orphans' Court charges $042 Pa.C.S. § 21022.1Verified Apr 23, 2026 to open a probate case, plus additional fees for motions and final accounting.
Attorney fees in Philadelphia County typically range from 3%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 to 5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 of estate value, though many local attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward cases. Executor compensation in Pennsylvania is 3%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 to 5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified Apr 23, 2026 of estate value based on reasonable payment for time and effort managing the estate.
You'll need to publish a creditor notice in a local Philadelphia County newspaper ($200-$500). Real estate and business interests also require professional appraisals, typically $300-$600 each.
The Orphans' Court may require a surety bond unless the will explicitly waives it. When required, annual premiums run about 0.5%20 Pa.C.S. § 3171Verified Apr 23, 2026 of estate value.
These costs accumulate over 9 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101Verified Apr 23, 2026 to 14 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3101Verified Apr 23, 2026—the typical timeline for probate at the Orphans' Court. The 12 months20 Pa.C.S. § 3532Verified Apr 23, 2026 creditor claim period accounts for much of this wait, and expenses compound as executors manage assets during this period.
Legal Sources
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3101
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3171
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3532
- 20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 21022.1
Data sourced from Pennsylvania statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Philadelphia County, that means filing fees (about $806.25 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs about $806.25 in Philadelphia County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Pennsylvania uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 3%–5% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Pennsylvania allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Pennsylvania estates under $50,000 can use a small estate affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Pennsylvania self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Philadelphia County probate.
Orphans' Court
Philadelphia County
City Hall, Room 180
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone:
215-686-6250Fax:
215-686-6268
Email:
rowonline@phila.govHours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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