Pennsylvania Probate Timeline
At Chadwick Estate Law, we know one of the first questions families ask is: “How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?”
While every estate is unique, probate in Pennsylvania typically takes 9–18 months. Some simple cases close in as little as 6 months, while contested estates or those with complex assets may take years. Below, we outline the typical timeline, step by step, under the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code (20 Pa.C.S.).
What is the Probate Timeline in Pennsylvania?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, appointing an executor or administrator, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to heirs. In Pennsylvania, probate is handled by the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived.
Here’s how the process usually unfolds:
Step-by-Step Probate Timeline
Step 1: Opening the Estate (Weeks 1–4)
File the will (if any) and a petition for Letters Testamentary (with will) or Letters of Administration (without a will).
Register of Wills issues “letters” authorizing the executor/personal representative to act.
Executor must send formal notice of estate administration to heirs and beneficiaries (Pa.O.C. Rule 10.5).
Step 2: Notice to Creditors (First 3 Months)
Executor publishes notice of estate administration in a local newspaper and legal journal (20 Pa.C.S. § 3162).
Creditors have one year from first publication to bring claims.
Most executors wait at least 3–4 months before making distributions to ensure debts are known.
Step 3: Inventory Filing (Within 9 Months)
Executor files an inventory of all probate assets with the Register of Wills (20 Pa.C.S. § 3301).
Assets valued as of the decedent’s date of death.
Must also file Pennsylvania inheritance tax return (REV-1500) within nine months of death (72 P.S. § 9136).
Step 4: Debt & Tax Settlement (Months 3–12)
Pay funeral expenses, valid debts, and administrative costs.
File and pay Pennsylvania inheritance tax; discounts apply if paid within three months.
Federal estate tax only applies to estates exceeding the federal exemption ($13.61M in 2025).
Step 5: Interim Distributions (Optional, Months 6–12)
Executors may make partial distributions if the estate has sufficient liquidity.
Must reserve enough to cover taxes, debts, and administrative expenses.
Step 6: Family Settlement or Court Accounting (Months 12–18)
Many estates close through a family settlement agreement—all beneficiaries sign off on distributions, avoiding court audit.
Alternatively, executor files a formal account with the Orphans’ Court (20 Pa.C.S. § 3501), subject to objections.
Step 7: Final Distribution & Closing (Months 12–18+)
After all debts/taxes are paid and the court (or family settlement) approves distributions, assets are divided among beneficiaries.
Estate is formally closed.
Factors That Can Delay Probate
Will contests or disputes among heirs.
Missing or disputed assets.
Real estate that must be sold before closing.
Tax audits or late inheritance tax filings.
Executors who fail to act promptly.
FAQs
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Most estates take 9–18 months, but complex estates may last several years.
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Not always—small estates under $50,000 may qualify for simplified procedures (20 Pa.C.S. § 3102).
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Yes, partial distributions are possible if the estate has sufficient funds.
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The PA inheritance tax (0%–15%) applies; federal estate tax applies only to large estates over the federal exemption.
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No, probate only covers “probate assets.” Non-probate assets (e.g., joint accounts, retirement accounts with beneficiaries, life insurance) pass directly outside probate.
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