In an earlier article we discussed the process for initiating an estate
administration in Chester County. In particular, we reviewed the issues
confronted by an executor named in a last will and testament. To read the
full article on estate administration in Chester County, click here.
As we all know, not everyone passes away having created a will.
If someone passes away without a will then the Personal Representative
for the estate would be referred to as an Administrator and not Executor.
Pennsylvania statutory law will announce what individuals have the
right to act as the Administrator(s) of the decedent’s estate where
there is no will naming an executor. An Administrator will be observed
by a higher degree of court oversight and might be required to post a
bond with the court where a decedent’s last will likely would waive the
bonding requirement. The bond can be thousands or tens of thousands
of dollars depending on the size of the estate.
Please click here, for more general information regarding the estate
administration and the probate process here in Pennsylvania.
Once, the rightful Administrator(s) has/have been identified,
he/she/they must go to the Register of Wills with the following items:
1. Original Death Certificate
2. Petition For Probate
3. Estate Information Sheet
4. Check for probate fee
**** Where a will was located and an executor appointed, the
proposed executor must bring the original will in addition to those items
mentioned above **** For helpful hints as to where an original will
may be located, click here.
At the Register of Wills Office, the Administrator(s) will take an oath and
be sworn in to represent the estate. Furthermore, the Administrator will
pay probate fees. These fees depend on the size of the estate. Lastly, short
certificates (Letters of Administration if No Executor Named) will be issued.
Short certificates confirm the Administrator of the estate as well as the
decedent’s date of death. These certificates will be needed to complete
various administrative tasks.
INFORMATION BELOW IS TO ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING THE MONTGOMERY
COUNTY REGISTER OF WILLS TO INITIATE THE PROBATE PROCESS.
Name and address of Montgomery County Courthouse:
Montgomery County Courthouse
2 East Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19401
A link to the Montgomery County Register of Wills
The location of the Register of Wills office in the Courthouse:
One Montgomery Plaza
Fourth Floor
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Montgomery County Register of Wills hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 4:15pm
Montgomery County Register of Wills Phone Number: 610-278-3400
For more information regarding navigating the probate process in Pennsylvania
please contact Douglas L. Kaune, esquire at 610 933 8069 or email him at
dkaune@utbf.com. Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C. is a full service
law firm which has three convenient office locations in Phoenixville,
West Chester and Malvern, Pennsylvania. The firm primarily services
clients in Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia, Bucks and Berks Counties,
but can represent clients throughout Pennsylvania.
