In Northampton County, the Register of Wills and Orphans Court is one office at 669 Washington Street in Easton. It handles probate, estate administration and accounting, and wills and inheritance matters. For an heir who lives in Arizona or Florida, the useful detail is that the county lists a dedicated email for probate requests, [email protected], along with two phone numbers. That makes a first contact possible without a trip.
No obligation. We respond within 24 hours.
Easton and Bethlehem estates often involve a 19th-century rowhouse or twin, sometimes near the Delaware or Lehigh rivers. Kaizen's county notes list flood risk, aging systems in older homes and out-of-state heirs among the local issues. This guide covers the Easton filing steps, the state inheritance tax clock and where a cash as-is sale fits. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
The county page lists 610-829-6487 or 610-829-6486 and the email [email protected]. The page says appointments are required only for marriage license applicants where neither spouse is a Northampton County resident, so ask the office what applies to a probate filing. Out-of-state heirs should ask early what can be handled remotely.
The county page says AOPC forms are available at pacourts.us, and that confidential document and information forms are provided on-site. It also links a Northampton County Wills Fee Schedule as a PDF that we did not read, so the fee is not stated here. Confirm the current amount with the office.
If there is a will, the executor it names asks for letters testamentary. Without one, an heir asks to be appointed administrator. When several heirs live in different states, agree on one person early. An estate attorney can say who has priority and whether a co-administrator makes sense.
The Department of Revenue lists 0 percent for a spouse, 4.5 percent for direct descendants and lineal heirs, 12 percent for siblings and 15 percent for other heirs. Paying within three months of death earns a 5 percent discount, and the tax is delinquent nine months after death. A tax professional can sort out each heir's rate.
Kaizen's county notes flag out-of-state heirs as a local complication, because access, contents and utilities pile up while no one is local. Pick one person to hold keys, change the locks if needed and keep the heat on in winter. Older Easton and Bethlehem houses can freeze and flood quickly.
Parcels near the Delaware and Lehigh rivers carry flood risk, according to Kaizen's county notes, and within Easton's local historic district exterior work visible from a public way requires a Certificate of Appropriateness. A title company or the municipality can confirm what applies to the address before anyone prices repairs.
Under 20 Pa.C.S. 3351, a personal representative can sell real property that is not specifically devised unless the will says otherwise. A named devisee generally has to join. Ask an estate attorney to confirm, especially when heirs are spread across states.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Contact the Register of Wills | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by phone or email |
| Inheritance tax discount window | Within 3 months of the date of death |
| Inheritance tax becomes delinquent | 9 months after the date of death |
| Kaizen cash offer | Within 24 hours of getting the property details |
| Kaizen closing | 14 to 30 days, or the date the estate chooses |
669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042
610-829-6487 or 610-829-6486
Probate, estate administration and accounting, wills and inheritance matters. Probate requests: [email protected].
Official pageNorthampton heirs can keep the house, list it with an agent or sell for cash. Because the county's market is among the faster ones in Kaizen's notes, a sound house may draw buyers quickly. A 19th-century rowhouse with old wiring, plumbing or a damp basement is another story, and an out-of-state heir may not be able to oversee repairs, showings and open houses. Commission and carrying costs come off the net.
Kaizen can take the house as-is for cash. No repairs, no agent commission. We send an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date your family prefers, which helps when heirs live in different states. The personal representative must hold letters from the Register of Wills before signing. Call 267-329-0084, and have your attorney review the contract.
At 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. The county lists 610-829-6487 or 610-829-6486, the email [email protected], and hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The county lists a phone number and a probate email, so start there. Ask the office what must be filed in person and what can be done remotely, and talk to an estate attorney.
The county page links a Northampton County Wills Fee Schedule as a PDF. This guide does not quote amounts. Confirm the current fee with the office.
The Department of Revenue says 9 months after death. A 5% discount applies if the tax is paid within three months of death.
Kaizen will review it. We offer cash within 24 hours, take the house as-is, charge no agent commission and require no repairs. Closing takes 14 to 30 days or lands on your date. Heirs in other states should know the estate still needs letters before signing. Call 267-329-0084.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm details with the office or a professional.
No obligation. No fees. Just a fair offer from a local buyer.