How Do I File Probate in Washington 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 Washington 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.
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
- •Petitions for Grant of Letters
- •Original Wills or Codicils
- •Inheritance Tax Returns
- •Marriage License Applications
- •Certified or sealed records
- •Citations
- •Bonds or supersedeas payments
- •Oversized documents (larger than 8.5" x 11")
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.
An attorney is not required to probate a will or apply for Letters; the Register provides forms but cannot give direction or legal advice on their preparation. Engaging an attorney is recommended.
Get the Washington County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Washington County Self-Filing Assessment.
Washington 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
Filings requiring certification, exemplification, or swearing-in cannot be e-filed
Filings that require certification, exemplification, citation, swearing-in of the filer, the payment of a variable sum of money, or the calculation of a variable time deadline are not accepted for e-filing.
SourceIn-Person Filing
The Orphans' Court is located at Crossroads Center, 95 West Beau Street, Suite 425, Washington, PA 15301. Phone: 724-228-6775. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Before You Go
Accepted payment
Check. One check payable to "Washington County Register of Wills". Probate fees calculated at time of probate, with the balance due at time of filing the REV-1500 inheritance tax return.
What to Bring
To file at the Orphans' Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Orphans' Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Orphans' Court in Washington County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $400). 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. Washington 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 Washington 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
Washington County
Crossroads Center, 95 West Beau Street, Suite 425
Washington, PA 15301
Phone:
724-228-6775Fax:
724-250-4821
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 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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