Probate Estates

Probate Estates

Virtual Probate Process

All Probate proceedings are being held virtually through Zoom with a scheduled appointment. 
We do not have electronic filing, meaning wet signatures are required for all documents. 

Documentation required prior to scheduling a virtual probate proceeding:

  • Decedent's Original Will and Codicil (if applicable)
  • Completed Petition for Grant of Letters- including the value of the Estate and the number of Short Certificates needed-Do Not Sign Petition, this will happen during virtual appointment at Probate
  • Witness Oaths if Will is not a self-proved Will -please see forms section for the specific oath needed
  • Original Death Certificate 
  • Photo ID of Executor/ Administrator 
  • Notarized Renunciations (if applicable)
  • Estate Information Sheet
  • Payment of Fees are due at time of Probate- Fee Schedule
      1. Provide all documentation required above via email rwills@countyofberks.com, via mail (USPS, Fed-Ex, or UPS) or by dropping them off in our office 
        Register of Wills -Berks County Services Center
        633 Court Street- 2nd. Floor
        Reading, PA 19601
        8:30-4:00pm
        Monday - Friday

      2. Once received, the documentation will be reviewed, assigned a File number and fees set

      3. You will then be asked to contact our office at 610-478-6600 to schedule the probate appointment via Zoom (Computer, Tablet or Smartphone equipped with a camera and microphone are required) 

      4. All Original documents and payment shall be mailed or dropped off to the Register of Wills Office once the Executor has been sworn in.  After receipt of payment and a full review of all Original Documents, Grant of Letters, Short Certificates and associated documents will be issued. 


Living persons do NOT have wills 'registered' and stored by the county Register of Wills. Original wills are usually kept secure by the attorney who prepared the will, in the vault of a trust department, or in a safe deposit box belonging to the testator (person who wrote the will).
Before any individual or institution is legally eligible to take possession of the assets of an estate, he or she must have authorization by the Court to do so. This authority is granted by the Register of Wills in a document called letters testamentary after the will has been probated (or proven to be authentic).
Once an individual or institution has court authorization to take possession of any assets, a short certificate may be required before those assets can be released. As many short certificates as necessary may be purchased from the Register's Office after the formal opening of an estate or probate of will. Under no other circumstances as defined by law will the Berks County Register of Wills issue a short certificate.
  • A completed petition for probate and grant of letters (forms available online, in the Register's office & County Bar Association)
  • An original will, codicil, and/or any other related documents giving direction as to how property should be disposed upon death
  • A death certificate
  • Appearance of executor(s)
  • Witnesses to will (not necessary if will is self-proven)
  • Sworn English translation if will is written in a foreign language
  • A check or cash to cover probate fees (based on value of estate)
Wills are generally accepted for probate only in the county where the decedent was legally domiciled at the time of death.
Estate administration is conducted more effectively with the assistance of legal counsel. Clerks in the Register's office who process various estate-related documents are not familiar with assets and obligations of the estate which is being administered.
 
It is the duty and obligation of the personal representative (executor or administrator) to protect estate assets. It may be necessary to review many documents (insurance policies, bills, motor vehicle titles, employee benefit information, business agreements, recent income tax returns, medical or disability insurances, bonds, stocks, and numerous other sources).
 
The Register of Wills and staff are not licensed to give legal advice. Professional executors (attorneys and trust departments) may receive no greater compensation than an individual who serves as a personal representative. They could save time and money in the long run due to their knowledge and experience.
Where there is no will, an administrator is appointed by the court to handle the estate. Individuals or institutions entitled to administer an estate are established by law. This authority is granted by the Register of Wills in a document called letters of administration. The decedent's estate is then distributed according to a formula which is also set forth by law. These "intestacy" laws name the beneficiaries and the amount to which they are entitled.
 
By leaving no will, your property may be inherited by relatives you do not want to share in your estate.
Yes. Section 3101 of the Probate, Estates, and Fiduciaries Code extends the authority to any savings institution to release up to $10,000 to family members with an original death certificate and receipted funeral bill. Life insurance companies may release certain monies under $11,000 to named family members rather than to the estate. Also included in the act are patient accounts (not exceeding $10,000) which have been kept by various health care institutions.

This information has been made available to you as a public service by the Berks County Register of Wills' office. Responses are general and individual facts in a specific case may alter routine procedures or involve other laws not referred to here.