Judicial Services Report 2016, 225th Anniversary Edition

Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court

The responsibilities of the elected Office of the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court are two-fold: The Register of Wills is responsible for the probate of Wills and appoint- ing representatives for decedent estates, while the Orphans' Court has jurisdiction over the administration of the estate and distribution of the estate's assets. As a quasi-judicial officer, the Register may hold hearings, take testimony, review evidence and issue a decree to settle disputes relating to probate. Interested parties who do not agree with the Register's ruling may appeal to the Orphans' Court Division.

The Register also acts as an agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and is re- sponsible for collecting all Inheritance Taxes and relevant filings for Lancaster County.

Besides performing duties pertaining to the administration of estates, the Clerk of the Or- phans' Court is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining records for adop- tions, guardianships, terminations, and trusts.

Ann Cooper, Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court

Sheriff’s Office

The Mission of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is to assure a safe environment for our community and an excellent quality of life. We provide a substantial level of services directed in a courteous and respectful manner for the protection of lives, property, and civil rights of all our citizens and visitors.

Duties

Mark S. Reese, Sheriff

x Serve most original process in civil matters and obtain personal jurisdiction for the Court x Provide Security/Protection to the Court of Common Pleas and the Lancaster County Courthouse x Convey/transport prisoners to and from court and state prisons x Provide a K-9 explosive detection unit for use in all areas of the county x Assist all other law-enforcement agencies as they may be needed x Serve Protection from Abuse orders x Serve and make arrests for outstanding Bench Warrants x Conduct investigations into and issue concealed weapons permits and licenses to sell firearms x Conduct judicial sales of real and personal property, and determine property ownership

Divisions The Civil Division of the Sheriff"s Office is responsible for serving various types of civil processes, to include Protection From Abuse Orders (PFAs), garnishments, and various types of writs, as well as conducting levies.

The Sheriff's Office Firearms unit process applications for License to Carry Firearm Permit and applications for License To Sell Firearms for gun dealers.