Orphans' Court
A division of the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas, the Orphans' Court handles matters related to the personal and property rights of all natural persons and entities that are not capable of handling their own affairs or protecting their own rights.
This includes matters relating to minors and incapacitated persons, as well as decedents' estates and trusts.
The Orphans' Court has the authority to appoint guardians, hear disputes over administration, discharge fiduciaries, and accepts claims that are made for the family exemption and the elective share.
Outside of matters related to decedents, the Orphans' Court also handles matters related to adoption and conducts the hearings that determine incapacity.
See: Register of Wills
A division of the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas, the Orphans' Court handles matters related to the personal and property rights of all natural persons and entities that are not capable of handling their own affairs or protecting their own rights.
This includes matters relating to minors and incapacitated persons, as well as decedents' estates and trusts.
The Orphans' Court has the authority to appoint guardians, hear disputes over administration, discharge fiduciaries, and accepts claims that are made for the family exemption and the elective share.
Outside of matters related to decedents, the Orphans' Court also handles matters related to adoption and conducts the hearings that determine incapacity.
See: Register of Wills