Estate Administration After a Loved One Passes: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Posted on May 30, 2026 by shieldsandboris

When a person passes away in Pennsylvania, their last affairs must be handled before their estate can be finalized. Many estates in the Commonwealth must go through formal administration. It can be intimidating for people and families to navigate estate administration. You do not have to figure it out on your own. At The Elder Law Offices of Shields & Boris, we are proud to be leaders in elder law and estate administration. Our Pennsylvania estate administration attorneys understand the process and can help you prepare.

What is Estate Administration?

It is often a stressful time when a loved one passes away. Most people do not want to spend a lot of time thinking about legal paperwork. Still, that can be an important and necessary step. In Pennsylvania, estate administration is the legal process of handling a person’s property, debts, taxes, and final affairs after they pass away. Most often, it starts when an executor or administrator is appointed by the Register of Wills. Among other things, that person gathers estate assets, pays valid bills, files any required tax paperwork, and distributes what remains to the proper heirs or beneficiaries. A well-managed estate administration process helps prevent delays and disputes.

The Exception: Some Pennsylvania estates may qualify for small estate treatment. Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102, the Orphans’ Court may direct distribution through a small estate petition when the decedent’s Pennsylvania personal property, excluding real estate and certain payments covered by separate statutory rules, does not exceed $50,000. If you have any questions about small estate affidavits, an experienced Pennsylvania estate administration attorney can help.

The Estate Administration Process Usually Starts With the Register of Wills

In Pennsylvania, formal estate administration usually begins in the county Register of Wills office where the decedent lived at the time of death. If the person left a valid will, the named executor may petition to probate the will and receive letters testamentary. If there is no will, a qualified person may seek appointment as administrator and receive letters of administration. Those “letters” give the personal representative legal authority to act for the estate.

That authority matters immediately. Without it, banks, financial institutions, insurers, and title companies generally will not deal with a family member based on family status alone. The personal representative needs a formal appointment before collecting estate assets, opening an estate account, paying valid bills, selling probate property, or distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries.

Estate Administration Tip: If you have any questions about how to handle the will after a loved one’s passing, an experienced Pennsylvania estate administration attorney can help.

Probate Assets Must Be Distinguished From Non-Probate Assets

Some assets may pass outside probate, such as property placed within a valid trust, accounts with beneficiary designations, and jointly owned property. Estate administration requires a careful asset review. Not every asset passes through probate. Probate assets generally include property titled solely in the decedent’s name with no beneficiary designation or survivorship feature. Non-probate assets may include jointly owned accounts with survivorship rights, life insurance with named beneficiaries, retirement accounts with beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death accounts, and certain trust assets. As part of the estate administration process, assets must be properly classified.

Know the Law: The Personal Representative Owes Fiduciary Duties

Estate administration must be handled by a trustworthy person. That is actually a requirement of the law in the Commonwealth. In Pennsylvania, an executor or administrator does not own the estate assets. The personal representative holds authority as a fiduciary. That role requires loyalty, care, good faith, accurate record keeping, and proper distribution under the will or Pennsylvania intestacy law. In other words, the personal representative is held to the highest standard of care. A fiduciary who misuses estate funds, favors one beneficiary improperly, ignores creditors, or distributes assets too early can face personal liability. A personal representative’s duties usually include:

  • Obtaining and filing the will;
  • Identifying probate assets;
  • Securing real estate and personal property;
  • Opening an estate bank account;
  • Collecting income;
  • Maintaining insurance;
  • Notifying interested parties;
  • Evaluating creditor claims;
  • Filing tax returns;
  • Paying valid expenses; and
  • Distributing the remaining estate.

Key Point: Every transaction should be documented carefully. As the estate administration process can be complicated, a professional can often make a big difference. An estate administration lawyer can serve as the personal representative. Alternatively, the personal representative can retain an attorney to help with the process.

Taxes, Debts, and Creditor Issues Matter: All Can Delay Final Distribution

Families often want immediate distribution. Pennsylvania estate administration rarely works that way. The personal representative must address estate expenses, enforceable debts, tax filings, and inheritance tax before final distribution. Pennsylvania inheritance tax is due at death and becomes delinquent nine months after the date of death. A 5% discount is available for inheritance tax paid within three months.

Why Trust The Elder Law Offices of Shields & Boris for Estate Administration in Pennsylvania

The Elder Law Offices of Shields & Boris is a boutique law firm with extensive experience handling matters of estate administration in Western Pennsylvania. We want to make sure that you and your family know how to prepare and what to expect when a loved one passes away.

Our firm has considerable experience handling estate administration in counties across the region. Do not go it alone: Your initial consultation with our Pennsylvania estate administration lawyers is strictly confidential and carries no additional obligations.

We are Leaders in Estate Administration in Western Pennsylvania

At The Elder Law Offices of Shields & Boris, our Pennsylvania estate administration lawyers are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced advocates for clients. If you have any questions about what to expect from the estate administration process after a loved one passes, we can help. Give us a call at (724) 302-3718 or contact us online for a strictly confidential case review. Our firm provides estate administration representation throughout Western Pennsylvania.



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