The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania probate (Orphans’ Court) matters, a notice of hearing generally must communicate the time and place of the hearing and be served in the manner the Orphans’ Court directs. The exact “must-include” details (like courtroom number, remote appearance instructions, or check-in procedures) often come from the court’s specific order and local Orphans’ Court rules—not a single statewide checklist.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court proceedings are driven by court-issued notices (often a citation or notice attached to a petition) and the court’s directions about how notice must be given. In practice, the notice should clearly identify the hearing so recipients know where to go (or how to appear) and what matter will be addressed, but the court can require different methods and formats depending on the case.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 768.

This statute establishes that notice of an Orphans’ Court proceeding may be given by various methods (including personal service, registered mail, publication, or otherwise) as the Orphans’ Court division directs by general rule or special order, and that notice may be in the form of a citation.

If your hearing is in a specific probate sub-type (for example, certain adoption matters), Pennsylvania law also expressly contemplates that the court fixes a time and place for the hearing and directs who must receive notice. See, e.g., 23 Pa.C.S. § 2721 (notice of hearing in adoption proceedings).

For more Pennsylvania probate context, you may also find helpful: How Do I Apply for Probate and Letters Testamentary in Pennsylvania? and What Documents Do I Need for a Small Estate Petition in Pennsylvania?.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Even if a notice is “sent,” disputes can turn on whether it was served in the manner and timeframe the Orphans’ Court required under 20 Pa.C.S. § 768 and any court order.
• Burden of Proof: If someone later challenges the hearing results, you may need to prove proper notice (who received it, how, and when), which can be fact-intensive and document-driven.
• Exceptions: The court can require different notice recipients and different service methods depending on the type of petition (estate administration disputes, guardianship-related issues, adoption-related issues, etc.) and local Orphans’ Court rules.

Trying to handle notice issues without counsel can lead to a continued hearing, sanctions, or an order being attacked later as procedurally defective—especially when the “missing detail” is something the judge required (like courtroom assignment, remote appearance rules, or special check-in instructions).

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.