How to Probate a Will in Pennsylvania

1). Instruct the personal representative that they will be in charge of taking care of probate. Any other eligible representatives will need to sign an affidavit, provided by the Register of Wills, to reject the position.
2). Contact the witnesses listed on the will, if any. In cases where the will wasn't notarized at the time the witnesses signed the will, the witnesses will need to provide a notarized oath stating the will is valid. In cases where there were no witnesses, someone who knew the decedent's signature will need to testify to the will being valid.
3). Call the county courthouse in which the decedent resided. Make an appointment with the Register of Wills. Bring the will, death certificate, and the personal representative's proof of identity.
4). Be prepared to pay filing fees and the Pennsylvania estate tax to the Register of Wills. As of 2010, Pennsylvania offers 5 percent abatement when the tax is paid within three months of the decedent's death; after 9 months late penalties accrue. The Register will guide the representative through the process on a case by case basis. Consider consulting legal counsel during this process.
5). Inventory estate assets and prepare requested status reports to the Register during the process. The Register will instruct the representative through the process on a case by case basis.