Register of Wills
The Register of Wills' principal duties include probating wills and accepting for filing all documents necessary to complete the administration of a decedent's estate. If a person dies without a will, the Register, upon petition, will appoint an administrator of the estate. The Register is also the agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to collect inheritance tax.
The Register of Wills holds a quasi-judicial position and, if necessary, conducts hearings to determine who should be appointed as executor or administrator of an estate. Some issues brought to a hearing involve issues like forgery, mental capacity and undue influence. The parties have a right to appeal the Register's decision to the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas.
Orphans' Court
As Clerk of Orphans' Court, our office serves as the filing office and custodian of records for matters involving adoptions, guardianship and estate litigation.
The office also issues all marriage licenses for the County of Bucks.
Prompt & Efficient Services
Our office's primary goal is to serve you, especially during the time when you may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
The information on this website is intended to be of assistance by providing basic information relating to the probate and administration of estates. Please be assured that our office is committed to providing services to you in a prompt and efficient manner.