Administrative Order - Procedures for Filing with Blair County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds

Overview

This Administrative Order, issued by the Court of Common Pleas in Blair County (24th Judicial District), outlines emergency procedures for filing documents with the Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds offices. The order was signed by President Judge Elizabeth A. Doyle on March 30, 2020, in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Order of March 18, 2020.

Office Closures and Access

• Effective Date: March 23, 2020, at 8:00 a. m.
• Status: The offices of the Blair County Register of Wills and the Blair County Recorder of Deeds are closed to the public until further order of the Court.
• Public Search: There is no public access to search documents in these offices. Records from 1942 to the present are available online via the remote access program at www. landex. com/webstore.

Document Submission Methods

The following methods are authorized for processing documents:

• Electronic Recording: The Recorder of Deeds Office accepts e-recordings. Approved vendors can be found at www. blaircountyrecorder. com.
• Mail and Courier: Both offices accept documents via United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service (UPS), and Federal Express.
• Drop Box: A drop box is available at the front door of the main entrance of the Blair County Courthouse.
  • Hours: 9:00 a. m. to 3:00 p. m.
  • Requirements: Documents must be in a sealed envelope marked "Register/Recorder's Office. "
  • Payments: Checks or money orders are accepted; no cash. A self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of documents/receipts must be included.

Register of Wills Specific Procedures

• Probate Appointments: Probate estates are handled by appointment only via FaceTime, Skype, or other online/teleconference options.
  • Requirements: Original documents and copies of photo identification must be delivered to the office prior to the appointment.
  • Scheduling: Call 814-693-3095.
• Inheritance Tax: Returns and payments must be mailed to the Register of Wills Office. Filers should include a copy of the statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, the estate file number, and the name of the decedent. Receipts will be mailed back via USPS.

Contact Information

• Recorder of Deeds: For specific questions regarding recordings, call 814-693-3095.
• Register of Wills: For probate appointments, call 814-693-3095.

Duration

This order is effective as of March 23, 2020, and continues in effect until further order of the Court.