The Recorder of Deeds functions include being the repository for all property transactions that happen within the County. We record deeds, mortgages, leases, subdivisions, and more relating to property. Additionally, the Recorder maintains the notary commissions and other non-property documents. The Recorder collects realty transfer taxes on behalf of the Commonwealth, the Municipalities, and the local School Districts; and then distributes those taxes to them.
The Register of Wills functions are primarily focused on filing documents when someone has passed away. This may include probating an estate and swearing in an Executor or Administrator to handle all of the legal aspects of closing out an estate. Additionally, there are instances where an estate does not need to be opened; and the Register will issue the necessary paperwork to allow the decedent’s assets to be disbursed. The Register acts as an agent of the Commonwealth for the collection of Inheritance Taxes; and then disburses those taxes to the Department of Revenue.
The Clerk of Orphans Court functions include the record keeping for all of the County adoptions, guardianships, and marriage licenses as well as the small estates. Note that we also maintain records of Births & Deaths from 1893 through 1906; and we have Marriages from 1885 to the present.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the webpage, feel free to visit our office in the Elk County Courthouse, or call us at (814) 776-5349, or email us at recorder@countyofelkpa.com.
Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:30 – 4:00
Closed weekends and holidays
Please understand we are not able to provide any legal advice.
Quick Links
AOPC Public Access Policy became effective January 6, 2018. Forms and a copy of the Policy may be obtained here: https://www.pacourts.us/public-records/public-records-forms
Register of Wills, Recorder of Deeds, Clerk of Orphans Links
Contacts
Lee A. Neureiter
Register of Wills
Recorder of Deeds
Clerk of Orphans’ Court
(Elected since 2020)
Our Team
First Deputy: Angie Emmert
Second Deputy: Chellie Upkyke
Third Deputy: Danielle Butterfuss
Elk County Courthouse
240 Main Street
P.O. Box 314
Ridgway, PA 15853
Phone: 814.776.5349
Fax: 814.776.5382
Email: recorder@countyofelkpa.gov
Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:30 – 4:00
Closed weekends and holidays
Birth / Death / Marriage Records
Birth Records
Our office has birth records for MOST births that occurred between 1893 and 1906. It was not a requirement for births to be reported, but most were. You can view these records on our public terminals in the office. We are able to produce a certified copy if that is what you need.
After 1906, birth records are kept at the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can request a copy of a birth certificate online, in person, or by mail at the PA Department of Health:
Death Records
Like birth records, our office has death records for MOST deaths that occurred between 1893 and 1906. You can view these on our public terminals in the office. We are able to produce a certified copy if that is what you need.
After 1906, death records are kept at the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can request a copy of a death certificate online, in person, or by mail at the PA Department of Health:
Marriage Records
All marriage licenses that have been issued by the Elk County Clerk of Orphans Court office are available in our office. If the marriage license was issued in a different county, you’ll need to contact that County’s Clerk of Orphans Court office to get a copy or information regarding that license. Just as a reminder, a Pennsylvania marriage license is valid state-wide; and is not necessarily in the County in which the couple was actually married. Feel free to contact our office if you have questions.