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Intestate Succession

When a person dies without a valid will, Pennsylvania law dictates how the estate is distributed based on surviving family members.

20 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §§ 2101–2114

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.

Distribution Hierarchy

1

Surviving spouse, no children or parents

Spouse: Entire estateOthers: N/A
2

Surviving spouse + children (all children of spouse)

Spouse: First $30,000 + 1/2 of balanceOthers: Children share remainder equally
3

Surviving spouse + children (not all children of spouse)

Spouse: 1/2 of estateOthers: Children share 1/2 equally
4

Surviving spouse, no children, surviving parent(s)

Spouse: First $30,000 + 1/2 of balanceOthers: Parent(s) take remainder
5

No spouse — children survive

Distribution: Children take equally (per stirpes)
6

No spouse, no children — parents survive

Distribution: Parents take equally
7

No spouse, children, or parents — siblings survive

Distribution: Siblings take equally (per stirpes)
8

None of the above

Distribution: Grandparents, then aunts/uncles, then more remote kin

Intestate Share Calculator

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