Losing a loved one brings emotional challenges. Dealing with legal matters on top of your grief can feel overwhelming, especially if you have to deal with something as complicated as probate.
If your loved one left behind a modest estate in Pennsylvania, you might qualify for a simplified probate process. Small estate administration can help you handle estate affairs more quickly, giving you space to focus on what matters most—processing your loss.
What makes an estate eligible for simplified administration
Pennsylvania offers “settlement of small estate on petition” when the total estate value is under $50,000. Take note that several assets don’t count toward this limit, including:
- Real estate of any value
- Retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries
- Transfer-on-death accounts
Even with small estate administration, you still need to pay outstanding taxes and valid creditor claims. However, the process makes settling these obligations more straightforward.
Filing your small estate petition
You can file the small estate petition if you are related to the deceased. Usually, the spouse, child, parent, or sibling files the petition. You’ll need to submit the following to file the petition:
- Death certificate
- List of all assets and their values
- Names and addresses of heirs
- Funeral expenses documentation
- List of debts and creditors
- Copy of the will, if there is one
If you are not the closest relative, you need to also provide written consent from other heirs. Additionally, remember to include all known creditors in your petition to protect yourself from future claims against the estate.
Making the process easier for you and your loved one
Small estate administration is a great way to bypass probate. But if your estate does not qualify for it, you still have options for avoiding probate proceedings.
Consider speaking with an estate planning attorney about other tools like living trusts or transfer-on-death designations. With professional guidance, you can help protect your family’s peace of mind and ensure your assets transfer smoothly to your beneficiaries.
