Row Officers

Register of Wills

Glossary of Terms

Codicil: A writing, signed at the end by a testator, which amends an existing Will.

Decedent: A deceased person.

Estate: Property owned by a person at death over which an executor or administrator is authorized to exercise control.

Lineal Descendants:  Includes natural children, adopted children, stepchildren, their descendents and step-descendents, natural or adopted.

Probate: To "prove" a Will by submission to the Register of Wills who determines its validity and issues a decree appointing a person as the executor/executrix to administer the estate.

Property: Real estate and personal property.

Personal Representative: Person named in a will (Executor/ Executrix) or appointed by the Register (Administrator/Administratrix) to administer an estate.

Testator/Testatrix:  A deceased person who leaves a Will.

The 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 probate and administration of estates.
Please be assured that the office is committed to
providing services to you in a prompt and efficient manner.
Donald Petrille, Jr.
Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court
County of Bucks