Overview
Bucks County is the fourth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located northeast of Philadelphia with Doylestown as its county seat. The Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court handles probate of wills, granting of Letters, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Pennsylvania probate provides several options depending on the estate. Estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Larger estates require formal probate. The PA inheritance tax applies at rates of 0% (spouse), 4.5% (lineal descendants), 12% (siblings), and 15% (others).
Bucks County offers e-filing for probate petitions through its online portal, allowing filers to submit documents electronically.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bucks County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Bucks County Register of Wills
The Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans' Court is located in the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown.
Address: 55 East Court Street, 6th Floor, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 348-6265
Website: buckscounty.gov/615/Register-of-Wills
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures. Appointments may be recommended for certain services — call ahead.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Doylestown. The courthouse is accessible from Main Street and Court Street. Visitors should plan for security screening at the building entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Estate Pathway
- Formal Probate (Testate): File a Petition for Probate with the original will. The Register of Wills grants Letters Testamentary.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no will.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For estates with $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate).
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Completed Petition for Probate or Letters of Administration
- Photo identification
- Filing fee payment
Step 3: File with the Register of Wills
File in person at the courthouse or through the Bucks County e-filing portal. The Register of Wills reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the Bucks County Law Reporter (the county legal journal) and one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Step 5: Inventory, Tax, and Closing
File an Inventory within 9 months. File the PA Inheritance Tax Return within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months). Administer the estate and close through a formal accounting or Family Settlement Agreement.
Local Requirements
Bucks County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is available through the Bucks County online portal.
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Bucks County Law Reporter and one newspaper of general circulation.
- Probate Estates and Administration information is available on the Bucks County website.
- Inventory must be filed within 9 months of death.
- PA Inheritance Tax Return is due within 9 months (5% discount if paid within 3 months).
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Rates
- 0% — Surviving spouse
- 4.5% — Lineal descendants and lineal ancestors
- 12% — Siblings
- 15% — All other transferees
Bond Requirements
Bond may be required for the personal representative. The will may waive bond. For intestate estates, bond is typically required unless waived by the court.
Family Settlement Agreements
Bucks County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bucks County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: approximately $7.00 each
- Publication costs: vary by newspaper
Fees may be updated. Contact the Register of Wills at (215) 348-6265 or check the website for the current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
Contact the Register of Wills for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
The minimum timeline includes the 9-month inventory and tax return deadlines.
Local Resources
Bucks County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: buckscounty.gov/615/Register-of-Wills
- E-Filing Portal: buckscounty.gov/667/E-Filing-Online-Records-Searches
- Probate Estates & Administration: buckscounty.gov/678/Probate-Estates-Administration
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania — Bucks County: (215) 340-1818
- Bucks County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (215) 348-9413
Publication
- Bucks County Law Reporter: P.O. Box 300, Doylestown, PA 18901 — designated legal journal for Bucks County estate notices