Register of Wills  



The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court Office provides a variety of services to the public, such as:
  • Probate of decedent estates
  • Collection of inheritance taxes
  • Issuance of marriage licenses
  • Maintenance of records pertaining to adoptions, guardianship, and estates
We are located on the second floor of the new courthouse.
Cell phones are not permitted inside the Lancaster County Courthouse.


Pursuant to Judicial Administrative Order dated February 2, 2021, the Lancaster County Courthouse is closed to public access through April 30, 2021.  Emergency guardianships may be filed in Orphans' Court in person by appointment.  A drop-box is located outside of our office for Orphans' Court filings, probate documents, and marriage license payments. It will be available between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. DO NOT PLACE INHERITANCE TAX RETURNS/PAYMENTS in the dropbox.  Probate of an estate by videoconference may be requested.  Click here for instructions.

We are currently reviewing drafts of probate documents submitted by email on January 25, 2021.  Please do not contact our office for a status update unless you submitted your documents prior to this date and you have not received a videoconference appointment.  

Divisions

Linda Vance
Chief Deputy
Email
Phone: 717-295-5907

  • Probates and Estates

Email
Phone: 717-299-8242 or 299-8243
Fax:     717-295-5914

  • Adoptions & Guardianship

Chevy Sigwart
Deputy Clerk of the Orphans’ Court
Email
717-295-2001

  • Inheritance Tax Division

Amanda Persing
Inheritance Tax Clerk
Email
717-299-8246

  • Marriage Department

Marriage Clerk
717-295-3533