How Do I File Probate in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Orphans' Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Philadelphia 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 if you're comfortable with online systems.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Guardian Inventory (G-05)
- •Guardian Report of Person (G-02)
- •Guardian Report of Estate (G-03)
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Orphans' Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Philadelphia County Self-Filing Assessment.
In-Person Filing
The Orphans' Court is located at City Hall, Room 180, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-686-6250. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
What to Bring
Bring the original will, a certified death certificate, and a list of heirs and beneficiaries to the Orphans' Court. You'll also need to provide an overview of the estate's assets and any known debts.
Court Resources
For procedural questions about your filing, you can contact Register of Wills John P. Sabatina. The clerk's office handles filing questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Orphans' Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Orphans' Court in Philadelphia County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $806.25). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Philadelphia County uses the standard Pennsylvania probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Pennsylvania permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Orphans' Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Pennsylvania self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Orphans' Court in Philadelphia County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
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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