Orphans' Court
Orphans' Court
Estate matters that require judicial disposition are handled in the Orphan's Court. Routine appearances before the Orphan's Court include:
- Audits of accounts of executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians
- Distribution of estates of decedents, incompetents, and minors
- Appointment and control of guardians
- Adoptions
- Appeals from the Register of Wills involving probate matters
- Inheritance tax appeals
- Various petitions and motions
As Clerk of the Orphan's Court, the Register maintains the docket and all other records of the Orphan's Court. The Register is required by law to advertise in the local newspapers the accounts submitted to him in Orphan's Court.
When filing documents, please do not staple the original -- it makes for easier scanning.
Because we do not have electronic filing, please make sure all filed documents contain an original signature, in blue ink.
Change to Fees for Court Appointed Guardians:
Per an Administrative Order (please see below) all professional/ corporate Court appointed guardians will see a fee increase for incapacitated persons who are recipients of Medicaid.
Information and Resources
Orphans' Court Complete Rules
The Updated Orphans' Court Rules, with incorporated amendments, are now available.
The complete set of Orphans' Court local rules:
Guardianship Forms
- Guardian Acknowledgment of Duties and Liabilities (opens in a new window)
- Report of Guardian of the Estate (opens in a new window)
- Report of Guardian of the Person (opens in a new window)
- Guardianship Citation (opens in a new window)
- Guardianship Preliminary Decree (opens in a new window)
- Guardians Inventory for a Minor (opens in a new window)
- Guardians Inventory for an Incapacitated Person (opens in a new window)
Adoption Forms
- Affidavit Financial Responsibility (opens in a new window)
- Certificate of Adoption (H105) (opens in a new window)
- Disclosure of Fees and Costs (opens in a new window)
- Some additional Orphans’ Court forms are available on the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania's website.