Register of Wills & Recorder of Deeds

The Register of Wills office serves many purposes: probate of wills of deceased residents of Union County; appointment of estates of individuals without a will; and maintenance of records pertaining to estates.

Inheritance taxes are collected for the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Division. Checks issued for the payment of inheritance taxes shall be payable to “Union County Register of Wills, Agent”.
All checks issued for the payment of probate or filing fees shall be payable to “Union County Register of Wills”.
All estates from 1813 to date have been placed on microfilm for easier access by attorneys and the public.

Probate Requirements

The following are the initial requirements for opening an estate:

• Petition (unsigned) 
• Death certificate 
• Original Last Will and Testament/Codicil 
• Renunciations 
• Witness affidavits 
• Probate fees

The probate fees are due and payable at the time of probate.

The Office of Recorder of Deeds is responsible for recording documents related to property. Documents recorded in the office consist of, but are not limited to, deeds, mortgages, releases, easements (rights-of-way), subdivisions, and restrictions. Information is also recorded as it pertains to notaries and public and elected county officers. Military Service Discharges are recorded in this office. The Office of Recorder of Deeds also collects real estate transfer taxes for the state, townships, boroughs and school districts.

All records from 1/1/1962 to present are available HERE. Any records prior to 1/1/1962 have been placed on microfilm.