Pennsylvania small estate affidavit: limits & how it works
Pennsylvania doesn't have a traditional small-estate affidavit, but if the estate's personal property is $50,000 or less, the Register of Wills can issue certificates to transfer assets through a simplified process without full administration.
PA small-estate limit
$50,000 (personal property, excluding real estate)
- If the estate's personal property doesn't exceed $50,000 (real estate excluded), the Register of Wills can grant a simplified process.
- Pennsylvania's inheritance tax still applies regardless of whether formal probate is opened — even small estates must file the tax return.
- Real property in the decedent's name alone generally requires probate or a separate deed transfer process.
- Kindred can handle the simplified process and the inheritance tax filing; if a full administration is needed, we run that instead.
Common questions
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.
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