Pennsylvania Estate Law

Probate &
Estate Administration

Everything you need to navigate probate and administer a decedent's estate in Pennsylvania. From opening the estate to distributing assets, with interactive tools and attorney-drafted templates.

Content prepared under the supervision of a PA licensed attorney. Last updated April 2026.

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Notice: Estate administration and planning involve complex legal, tax, and fiduciary considerations. This information is provided for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed attorney and tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

PA Inheritance Tax Rates

Pennsylvania is one of only six states that impose an inheritance tax. Rates depend on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent.

Surviving Spouse

Husband or wife of decedent

Charities

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations

4.5%

Lineal Descendants

Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren

4.5%

Lineal Ascendants

Parents, grandparents

12%

Siblings

Brothers, sisters (full or half)

15%

All Others

Nieces, nephews, friends, cousins, non-relatives

Full Tax Guide & Calculator Intestate Succession Calculator

Probate & Administration

Step-by-step guidance for administering a decedent’s estate in Pennsylvania.

Opening an Estate

Petition for Letters, Register of Wills procedures, small estate option.

Personal Representative

Fiduciary duties, powers, liabilities, and responsibilities.

Notice Requirements

Publication, Rule 10.5 beneficiary notice, and deadlines.

Estate Inventory

What’s included, excluded, and how to value assets.

Creditor Claims

1-year claims period, priority of claims, and how to handle debts.

Inheritance Tax

PA rates, REV-1500 guidance, schedules, and 5% discount.

Intestate Succession

Distribution hierarchy when there is no will.

Estate Accounting

Formal vs. informal accounting, family settlement agreements.

Distribution

When and how estate property may be distributed.

Allegheny County

Estate Planning

Comprehensive guides to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives under Pennsylvania law.

Estate Planning Overview

Wills, trusts, POAs, advance directives, and beneficiary designations.

Wills

Types, execution requirements, and self-proving affidavits.

Trusts

Revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, special needs, spendthrift.

Powers of Attorney

Durable financial POA and healthcare POA.

Advance Directives

Living wills, healthcare declarations, and POLST.

Beneficiary Designations

TOD/POD accounts, joint ownership, and non-probate transfers.

Tools & Documents

Interactive calculators, deadline trackers, and attorney-drafted document templates.

Deadline Tracker

Automated probate deadline calendar based on date of death.

Document Templates

Attorney-drafted estate administration and planning documents.

Need Attorney-Drafted Probate Documents?

Probate petitions, estate inventories, inheritance tax returns, accountings, and distribution documents — drafted by a PA licensed attorney.

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Probate &Estate Administration