General Information:

To open an estate for a deceased individual it is preferred that you make an appointment. This way you will not have to wait in line at the office. Please call 570-825-1672  or 570-825-1646 to schedule an appointment. During COVID 19 Pandemic appointments are required.

You will need to bring the following documents with you when you come to your appointment:

With a Will

• Original Will
• If will is not self-proven (notary acknowledgement of testator and 2 witnesses on the will) you will need to bring an Oath of Subscribing Witness form for both witnesses on the will. Form must be signed and notarized (Forms can also be found online; forms for the public; Orphans’ Court / Register of Wills)
• Death Certificate
• ID for the executor/executrix. Must appear in person at the Register of Wills to take the oath. Make an appointment with the Office at 570-825-1672 or 570-825-1646
• If two executors / executrices are named in the will and one chooses not to serve in favor of the other, you must have a signed and notarized Renunciation Form.
• Estimated value of the gross amount of the estate
• Petition for Grant of Letters.
• Check for payment to open estate

Without a Will

• Death Certificate
• Signed and notarized Renunciation Forms for all persons who are eligible to serve as Administrators of the estate but do not wish to serve, in favor of the eligible party who will serve as Administrator (Forms can also be found found online; forms for the public; Orphans’ Court / Register of Wills)
• ID for the person who is to be Administrator of the estate. Must appear in person at the Register of Wills to take the oath. Make an appointment with the Office at 570-825-1672 or 570-825-1646
• Estimated gross value of the estate
• Petition for Grant of Letters
• Check for payment to open an estate