What documents and persons are required to probate a will?
  • Attorney/Bank certified check or U.S. money order (cash is also acceptable) to cover probate fees (based on value of estate)
    • No personal/estate checks will be accepted for county fees
    • Butler county legal journal fee must be paid by check (newspaper ad is your responsibility)
  • Certified English translation if will is written in a foreign language
  • An original  death certificate
  • An original Will, codicil (if applicable)
  • Personal appearance of executor(s)
  • Typed, conformed copy of any handwritten will
  • A typed/electronically printed petition for probate and grant of letters
    • No handwritten documents are accepted for filing
  • Witnesses to will (not necessary if will is self-proven) or notarized affidavit of subscribing witness(es)
    • Any flaw in the self-proving affidavit may require witnesses' signatures

Show All Answers

1. Do you have my will on file?
2. If I am named in a will as Executor, what do I need to do?
3. How do I get a short certificate?
4. What documents and persons are required to probate a will?
5. Can I probate anywhere I want?
6. Will you help me to probate / administer this estate?
7. What happens to the estate if the decedent died intestate (leaving no will)?
8. Can any distribution be made without probate and grant of letters or a judicial decision (Orphans' Court)?
9. What are the filing requisites for estates?
10. What are the filing requisites for Orphans' Court?