Probate Check List

Printable PROBATE Check List in PDF

WHAT IS A SHORT CERTIFICATE?
A Short Certificate is a legal document issued by the Register of Wills that shows the appointment of an Executor(s) or Administrator(s) of an estate. This Document gives the appointed person the ability to access assets and to conduct business in the deceased person’s name.

HOW TO OBTAIN A SHORT CERTIFICATE?
In order to obtain a Short Certificate, you must go through probate of the decedent’s estate.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROBATE AN ESTATE?
It depends on whether you have a valid will.

If you HAVE a WILL:

• The ORIGINAL will.
• Any original Codicil, if one exists.
• An ORIGINAL FINAL DEATH CERTIFICATE- pending death certificates are accepted.
• The first named executor must be present at our office. If they are deceased, you must present proof of death. If he/she is renouncing (giving up) his/her right to serve as a  listed alternate executor, then renunciations may be needed from others. You should contact this office or an attorney for additional information.
• The person intending to serve as executor must bring a current valid driver’s license or a state issued identification card.

To pay the probate fee:

• A CHECK (personal check/attorney check, cashier’s check, money order).
• Credit and Debit cards add a 3% convenience fee)
• We do NOT accept cash for Probate Fees.

If there is NO WILL, you will need to probate an Estate for Letters of Administration:

• An ORIGINAL FINAL DEATH CERTIFICATE- pending death certificates are accepted.
• Are you the sole next of kin? If there are others, you need their original, signed and notarized renunciations.
•  Your current valid driver’s license or state issued identification card.

•  

  To pay the probate fee:

  • A CHECK (personal check/attorney check, cashier’s check, money order).
  • Credit and Debit cards add a 3% convenience fee)
  • We do NOT accept cash for Probate Fees.

Probate Questions? Meet with a Probate Deputy or call a Deputy at 610-891-4406, 4401 or 4111

The contents of this document do not constitute legal advice and are provided as general guideline. You may need to enlist the services of an attorney for these and/or additional steps.

This document does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions, please consult with an attorney. 

Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday thru Friday.

Those needing to probate an estate to arrive no later than 3:30PM.

Probate Appointments: Due to the resounding success of our pilot Probate Appointment Program, the Register of Wills Office is now accepting probate appointments Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We will always accept Walk-In probates in addition to those who have an appointment.