Register of Wills  

 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. 
 If you bring a cell phone  or a smart watch into the courthouse you will be required to place it in a locker in the lobby if one is available.

NOTE:  The temporary surcharge portion of the JCP/ATJ/CJEA/OAG fee of $40.25 will expire on 8/1/23.  As of 8/1/23, our office will collect a JCS fee of $19.00  until changed by law.


We accept Petitions for Grant of Letters for filing in our office in person.  By special exception only, we will follow the procedure for videoconferences. Click here for instructions.


Inheritance tax returns and payments may be filed at the counter.  We use the postmark on mailed envelopes for the filing date of inheritance tax payments.


Divisions


Chief Deputy: Emily A. Carello
Email:  CarelloE@lancastercountypa.gov

  • Probates and Estates

Brenda  Huber
Probate Clerk
Email: BHuber@Lancastercountypa.gov

Paige Golay
Probate Clerk
Email: PGolay@Lancastercountypa.gov

  • Adoptions & Guardianship

Elridge Castillo
Deputy Clerk of the Orphans’ Court
E-mail: ECastillo@lancastercountypa.gov

  • Inheritance Tax Division

Helen McKinney
Inheritance Tax Clerk
Email: HMcKinney@lancastercountypa.gov

  • MARRIAGE HOTLINE

Marriage Clerk
717-295-3533