How Much Does Probate Cost in Pennsylvania?
Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probate costs in Pennsylvania typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wages, $20K deposits, $10K patient care, $11K life insurance), § 3102 (small estate petition — gross personal property $50K), § 3121 (family exemption $3,500), § 3162 (advertisement once/week for 3 successive weeks), § 3171/§ 3174 (bond + waivers), § 3301 (inventory deadline), § 3531 (post-administration small-estate settlement on petition $50K), § 3532 (creditor claims 1 yr from first complete advertisement), § 3537 (reasonable compensation), §§ 901-908 (Register of Wills); 72 P.S. § 9116 (inheritance tax rates), 72 P.S. § 9136 (9-month return/payment deadline, 5% discount within 3 months); county Register of Wills fee schedules on pacourts.us and individual county Register of Wills sites — verified via legis.state.pa.us / palegis.us / pa.gov/agencies/revenue on 2026-05-27Verified May 27, 2026 Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.
Pennsylvania allows estates valued at $50,000 or less to use a small estate affidavit, which avoids formal probate.20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wages, $20K deposits, $10K patient care, $11K life insurance), § 3102 (small estate petition — gross personal property $50K), § 3121 (family exemption $3,500), § 3162 (advertisement once/week for 3 successive weeks), § 3171/§ 3174 (bond + waivers), § 3301 (inventory deadline), § 3531 (post-administration small-estate settlement on petition $50K), § 3532 (creditor claims 1 yr from first complete advertisement), § 3537 (reasonable compensation), §§ 901-908 (Register of Wills); 72 P.S. § 9116 (inheritance tax rates), 72 P.S. § 9136 (9-month return/payment deadline, 5% discount within 3 months); county Register of Wills fee schedules on pacourts.us and individual county Register of Wills sites — verified via legis.state.pa.us / palegis.us / pa.gov/agencies/revenue on 2026-05-27Verified May 27, 2026 The waiting period is 0 days after death. Check eligibility with the Pennsylvania probate need checker.
In Pennsylvania, simple estates typically take 6-9 months. Average estates take 9-14 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 14-24 months or longer.20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wages, $20K deposits, $10K patient care, $11K life insurance), § 3102 (small estate petition — gross personal property $50K), § 3121 (family exemption $3,500), § 3162 (advertisement once/week for 3 successive weeks), § 3171/§ 3174 (bond + waivers), § 3301 (inventory deadline), § 3531 (post-administration small-estate settlement on petition $50K), § 3532 (creditor claims 1 yr from first complete advertisement), § 3537 (reasonable compensation), §§ 901-908 (Register of Wills); 72 P.S. § 9116 (inheritance tax rates), 72 P.S. § 9136 (9-month return/payment deadline, 5% discount within 3 months); county Register of Wills fee schedules on pacourts.us and individual county Register of Wills sites — verified via legis.state.pa.us / palegis.us / pa.gov/agencies/revenue on 2026-05-27Verified May 27, 2026 The 12-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.
Pennsylvania uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for probate attorney fees.20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified May 27, 2026 Courts consider factors such as the complexity of the estate, time spent, attorney skill, and local rates. Typical fees range from 3% to 5% of estate value.
Pennsylvania allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Johnson Estate guideline: 5% on first $100K, declining)Verified May 27, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Pennsylvania executor fee calculator.
Real property cannot be transferred using the small estate affidavit in Pennsylvania.20 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (payments without administration: $10K wages, $20K deposits, $10K patient care, $11K life insurance), § 3102 (small estate petition — gross personal property $50K), § 3121 (family exemption $3,500), § 3162 (advertisement once/week for 3 successive weeks), § 3171/§ 3174 (bond + waivers), § 3301 (inventory deadline), § 3531 (post-administration small-estate settlement on petition $50K), § 3532 (creditor claims 1 yr from first complete advertisement), § 3537 (reasonable compensation), §§ 901-908 (Register of Wills); 72 P.S. § 9116 (inheritance tax rates), 72 P.S. § 9136 (9-month return/payment deadline, 5% discount within 3 months); county Register of Wills fee schedules on pacourts.us and individual county Register of Wills sites — verified via legis.state.pa.us / palegis.us / pa.gov/agencies/revenue on 2026-05-27Verified May 27, 2026 Separate procedures apply.
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Pennsylvania Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Pennsylvania probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
