Register of Wills  

The Register of Wills' Office and Clerk of the Orphans' Court Office provide 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.

Our office will also be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026.

NOTICE:  OUR NEW FEE BILLS FOR REGISTER OF WILLS' FEES AND CLERK OF THE ORPHANS' COURT FEES EFFECTIVE 1/1/26 CAN BE FOUND UNDER BILL OF COSTS.  NOTE: NEW APPLICATION FEE FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IS $75.OO AND NEW CERTIFIED COPY FEE IS $20.  FOR ALL OTHER FEES PLEASE SEE FEE BILL EFFECTIVE 1/1/26.

NOTE:  THE JCP FEE FOR ALL FILINGS IN OUR OFFICE INCREASED FROM $40.25 TO $41.25 EFFECTIVE 12/1/25.


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

  • Adoptions & Guardianship

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

  • Inheritance Tax Division

Kelly Nelson
Inheritance Tax Clerk
Email: KNelson@lancastercountypa.gov

  • MARRIAGE HOTLINE

Marriage Clerk
717-295-3533