Position Summary

The Register of Wills office/staff has exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the grant of letters to a personal representative.  The office has the power to issue subpoenas, issue oaths, issue commissions. The PA Supreme Court has recognized that in probating wills and granting of letters of administration or letters testamentary that the Register of Wills office/staff in performing those duties acts in a judicial capacity.   The Federal Courts have also recognized that in PA the Register of Wills is a Judicial Officer, holding that the Register of Wills office/staff had absolute immunity for Judicial Acts perform by the register office/staff in the exercise of judicial functions.  The Register of Wills is an integral part of the Commonwealth’s Unified Judicial System and as such is part of the Judiciary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for processing all applicable documents related to the following legal issues to include but not limited to:

Determining the validity of Wills and Codicils and the Granting of Letters to a Personal Representative, Issuing Oaths, Verifying Subscribing/Non-Subscribing Witnesses, Bond requirements, Self-Proving Affidavit, Preparation of Exemplified Records, Caveats (Formal and Informal), Revocations, Citations, Register of Wills Orders and attending Register Hearings as required.(In addition – any other legal documents that would be deemed necessary or appropriate under the statutes for the Register of Wills to perform the Judicial Duties of the office.)

The Paralegal assists the Register of Wills and Chief Deputy Register of Wills with record processing duties and provides assistance to the general public, professionals and others in relation to the probating of wills and opening of estates. The Paralegal must be able to show empathy during the probate process.  In the absence of the Chief Deputy Register of Wills, the Paralegal will assume those duties.

Appointed by the court to be the true and lawful Paralegal of the Register of Wills of the York County Court of Common Pleas to act as fully and completely in the premises as the Register of Wills in performing his duties.

Essential Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies; or Associate’s Degree in any discipline and two (2) years of Paralegal experience; or five (5) years of Paralegal experience or minimum 2 years office experience.
• Must be a team player and be able to work closely with a co-worker
• Excellent communication skills
• Must possess knowledge of operation of personal computers, to include Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other general office equipment
• Must possess accurate computer and data entry skills
• Ability to understand and apply Title 42 Domestic Relations Statute
• Ability to understand and apply Title 20 Probate, Estate and Fiduciaries Code, and PA Supreme Court Orphans’ Court Rules
• Shall have understanding of the PA Inheritance and Estate Tax