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Estate settlement · PA

Probate in Pennsylvania.

The basics most families need to know. Not legal advice — see the official sources at the bottom of this page, or call a Pennsylvania estate attorney for the specifics of your situation.

Small estate threshold

Estates under $50,000

Pennsylvania allows a Small Estate Petition for personal property up to $50,000 (excluding real estate, payments to family for last illness, and family allowance). Filed with the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived.

Typical timeline

6–12 months for full probate

Pennsylvania offers informal/unsupervised probate, which is typically faster and less expensive when the will is clean and the heirs aren't in dispute.

Pennsylvania does not require an attorney for probate, though most families with non-trivial estates use one. Average legal fees: $1,500–$5,000.

Notable quirks

What makes Pennsylvania different.

  • Pennsylvania has a state inheritance tax — 0% to spouse, 4.5% to lineal descendants (kids, grandkids), 12% to siblings, 15% to others. Due 9 months after death.
  • Probate happens through the Register of Wills, then the Orphans' Court Division if disputes arise.
  • PA recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills if entirely in the deceased's handwriting.
  • Joint property with right of survivorship is NOT subject to inheritance tax for spouses but IS for non-spouse joint owners.
Key forms

What the executor will file.

  • Petition for Probate / Grant of Letters
    Opens probate.
  • Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500)
    Required for almost every estate. Due 9 months from death.
  • Small Estate Petition
    For personal property under $50,000.
Authoritative sources

For the actual current rules.

State rules and thresholds change. These links go to the Pennsylvania courts and bar association — the source of truth for current forms, fees, and procedures.

Other states

We have probate guides for the 10 most populous states. Pick another:

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganNew JerseyVirginiaWashingtonArizonaMassachusettsTennesseeIndianaMarylandMissouriWisconsinColoradoMinnesotaSouth CarolinaAlabamaLouisiana

This page is general consumer guidance, not legal advice. For complex estates, contested wills, or jurisdiction-specific questions, talk to a licensed Pennsylvania estate attorney.

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