What to Do When Someone Dies in Pennsylvania
A step-by-step guide for the first 30 days. We know this is overwhelming. Take it one task at a time.
Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.
If You Are the Named Executor in Pennsylvania
If you are the named executor or likely administrator of a Pennsylvania estate, start by separating urgent family tasks from authority, tax, and county filing tasks. Pennsylvania probate usually begins with the county Register of Wills. The early estate work below focuses on death certificates, county packets, letters, short certificates, publication, inventory, and inheritance-tax timing.
- Order Pennsylvania death certificates and ask which version each organization needs
Pennsylvania Department of Health says death certificates are used to settle estates, close accounts, claim life insurance, and transfer property. The agency lists VitalChek as the approved online vendor and lists a $20 cost for each certificate, with an added online service fee for online orders.
- Find the county Register of Wills packet before filling out forms
Pennsylvania probate forms are county-sensitive. Use the county Register of Wills and Orphans Court packet for opening letters or petition filings, and use the statewide Unified Judicial System forms directory as a reference point.
- Decide whether the estate needs letters, short certificates, or a Section 3102 petition
Letters or short certificates may be needed before banks, title companies, or agencies work with the estate representative. Pennsylvania Section 3102 provides a court petition path for certain small estates, but it is not a private affidavit for every asset.
Statute: 20 Pa.C.S. Section 3102
- Calendar publication, inventory, and inheritance-tax dates
After letters are granted, Section 3162 ties advertisement to the grant of letters, and Section 3301 sets inventory timing. Pennsylvania Revenue says inheritance tax becomes delinquent nine months after death and lists a five percent discount window for tax paid within three calendar months of death.
Statute: 20 Pa.C.S. Sections 3162 and 3301
- Keep source pages, county packets, filings, and receipts in one estate file
Save the county packet access date, filed forms, publication proofs, tax records, death certificate receipts, and written instructions from asset holders. This creates a clean record if the county office, a beneficiary, or a tax preparer asks how a step was handled.
Timeline of Tasks
Immediately
First Week
First Two Weeks
First Month
Who to Notify
Keep this list handy as you work through notifications.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents as soon as possible.
Death Certificates
Order 10-15 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance, property transfers, and more.
How to get death certificates →Will & Trust Documents
Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and important document folders.
Probate guide →Financial Statements
Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.
Asset transfer guide →What Comes Next?
After the first 30 days, you may need to start the probate process or transfer assets. Take our free assessment to find out what applies to your situation.