Overview
Lehigh County is the tenth-most-populous county in Pennsylvania, located in the Lehigh Valley region with Allentown as its county seat. The Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records — Register of Wills Division handles probate of wills, granting of Letters, and inheritance tax filings for decedents domiciled in the county.
Pennsylvania probate provides several options. 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).
The Lehigh County Register of Wills Division is located in the Lehigh County Courthouse in downtown Allentown. The Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles contested matters and formal accountings.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lehigh County probate process. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Register of Wills or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Lehigh County Register of Wills
The Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records — Register of Wills Division is located in the Lehigh County Courthouse in Allentown.
Address: Lehigh County Courthouse, Room 122, 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: (610) 782-3170
Website: lehighcounty.org/departments/clerk-of-judicial-records/register-of-wills
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The office provides general information about probate procedures. Staff cannot provide legal advice.
Orphans' Court
Contested estate matters and formal accountings are handled by the Orphans' Court Division of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. Forms for the Orphans' Court are available at lccpa.org.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Allentown, including nearby garages. The courthouse is located on Hamilton 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.
- Letters of Administration (Intestate): File when there is no valid 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 Lehigh County Courthouse, Room 122. The Register of Wills Division reviews the petition and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Short certificates are provided for asset collection.
Step 4: Publish Estate Notices
Publish a Notice of Estate once a week for three successive weeks in the Lehigh Law Journal (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
Lehigh County-Specific Procedures
- Publication of estate notices must appear in the Lehigh Law Journal and one newspaper of general circulation.
- Register of Wills forms are available at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas website (lccpa.org).
- Pro Se Filing Timetable is available from the Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records outlining deadlines for self-represented filers.
- 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.
Family Settlement Agreements
Lehigh County estates may be closed through a Family Settlement Agreement when all beneficiaries are adults, competent, and agree on distribution.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lehigh County)
- Probate of Will / Letters Testamentary: approximately $175-$350
- Letters of Administration: approximately $175-$350
- Short Certificates: varies
- Publication costs: vary by newspaper
Fees may be updated. Contact the Register of Wills Division at (610) 782-3170 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
Lehigh County Register of Wills Resources
- Register of Wills Website: lehighcounty.org — Register of Wills
- Register of Wills Forms: lccpa.org/forms/regofwills
- Orphans' Court Division: lccpa.org/orphans
- PA Inheritance Tax Forms: revenue.pa.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- North Penn Legal Services — Allentown: (610) 317-8757
- Lehigh County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (610) 433-7094
Publication
- Lehigh Law Journal: 1114 Walnut Street, Allentown, PA 18102 — designated legal journal for Lehigh County estate notices