Probate in Pennsylvania, handled for you
Pennsylvania settles estates through the Register of Wills in each county. The process itself is relatively straightforward — but Pennsylvania is one of the few states with a separate inheritance tax (0% to 15% depending on the relationship to the person who died), which must be filed within 9 months of death. Kindred handles the administration and coordinates the inheritance tax filing so nothing is missed.
Pennsylvania lets you handle an uncontested probate without a lawyer. Pennsylvania allows an executor or administrator to handle probate without an attorney — many Register of Wills offices are helpful to families filing pro se. Kindred handles the administrative work and the inheritance tax filing; if anything is contested, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreA straightforward Pennsylvania probate often runs about 9 to 15 months — the inheritance tax return is due within 9 months, and the estate can't close until taxes are settled and creditors are paid.
Read more$50,000 (personal property, excluding real estate)
Read moreRegister of Wills, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in Pennsylvania
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Worth knowing in Pennsylvania
Inheritance tax
Pennsylvania is one of the few states with an inheritance tax: 0% for a spouse, 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, 15% for others. A 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months of death. It's separate from probate costs and applies even to small estates.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Pennsylvania?
Not strictly — Pennsylvania allows an executor to handle probate without an attorney, and many Register of Wills offices assist families filing pro se. Kindred handles the administrative work and the inheritance tax filing. If anything is contested, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no statutory percentage attorney fee — attorneys typically bill hourly or a flat fee. The bigger cost is often the inheritance tax: 0% for a spouse, 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, 15% for other heirs. A 5% discount applies if paid within 3 months of death. Court filing fees run about $100-$300. These are illustrative figures.
How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
Typically 9 to 15 months. The inheritance tax return is due within 9 months of death, and creditors have 1 year to file claims. The estate can't close until taxes and creditors are settled. Paying the inheritance tax within 3 months gets a 5% discount.
What is the Pennsylvania inheritance tax?
Pennsylvania taxes inheritances based on the heir's relationship to the deceased: 0% for a surviving spouse, 4.5% for children and grandchildren, 12% for siblings, and 15% for other heirs. It's separate from probate costs and applies even if probate isn't opened. A 5% discount applies if the tax is paid within 3 months of death.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
You don't have to carry this alone.
Tell us about the estate on a free, no-obligation call. We'll map out exactly what needs to happen — and how we'd take it off your plate.
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