Overview
Northampton County is located in Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 312,951. The Register of Wills & Orphans' Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Pennsylvania probate is governed by Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries). The process begins with filing a Petition for Grant of Letters to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Pennsylvania offers a simplified procedure for small estates valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). This process, known as a Small Estate Affidavit or Petition for Settlement of Small Estate, allows for the transfer of assets without full probate administration.
Probate fees in Northampton County are based on the value of the estate. Additionally, Pennsylvania has an inheritance tax that varies from 0% to 15% depending on the relationship of the beneficiary to the decedent.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Northampton County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Northampton County Government Center
Probate matters in Northampton County are handled at the Northampton County Government Center.
Address: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 829-6487 (Register of Wills - Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Register of Wills office is located within the Government Center. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm if an appointment is required for probate filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the Wolf Avenue Parking Garage located behind the courthouse complex. There is also metered street parking available in the surrounding area. Security screening is required upon entering the Government Center.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a simplified small estate process.
- Non-Probate Assets: Assets with named beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance, IRAs) or held jointly with rights of survivorship generally do not require probate.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Grant of Letters with the Register of Wills. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Valid photo ID for the Personal Representative
- Estate Information Sheet
- Filing fee (check, cash, or money order)
- Renunciations from other heirs (if applicable)
E-filing may be available for certain documents; check the county website for the latest "CountySuite" e-filing options.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the estate administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties within 3 months of the grant of letters.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Northampton County (e.g., The Morning Call or The Express-Times) and the legal journal (Northampton County Reporter) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Advertise the estate to notify creditors (statutory claim period is 1 year).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets.
- File the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months of the date of death.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Status Report or First and Final Account to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Northampton County-Specific Procedures
- Advertising: Notice must be published in the Northampton County Reporter (legal publication) and one newspaper of general circulation (e.g., The Morning Call or The Express-Times).
- Bond: Out-of-state administrators are typically required to post a bond.
- Appointments: While walk-ins may be accepted, it is strongly advised to call (610) 829-6487 to schedule an appointment for the initial grant of letters.
- Inheritance Tax: The Register of Wills acts as the agent for the PA Department of Revenue for collecting inheritance taxes.
Always check with the Register of Wills for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Northampton County)
Filing fees are based on the value of the probate estate.
- Probate of Will / Grant of Letters: Varies by estate value (e.g., estates ~$100k may cost approx. $150-$300+).
- Short Certificates: Approximately $10-$20 per certificate.
- Renunciation: Approximately $10 per filing.
- Publication costs:
- Northampton County Reporter: ~$135.00 (for 3 weeks).
- General circulation newspaper (e.g., The Morning Call): ~$165.00+.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Consult the official fee schedule on the county website.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months (due to inheritance tax and creditor periods).
- Average estates: 12-18 months.
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years.
The creditor claim period in Pennsylvania is one year from the first publication of the estate notice.
Local Resources
Northampton County Court Resources
- Register of Wills: Northampton County Register of Wills
- PA Courts Forms: Unified Judicial System of PA
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Northampton County Bar Association: (610) 258-6333 — Attorney Referral Service
- North Penn Legal Services: (877) 953-4250 — Legal Aid
Publication
- Northampton County Reporter: (610) 258-6333 — Legal Journal
- The Morning Call: Legal Notices