Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit | Affidavit of Heirship

The state of Pennsylvania defines a small estate as one valuing $50,000 or less. Whether or not a final will and testament has gone to probate court, the family or other successors of a loved one who passed away may file an affidavit of heirship, small estate affidavit, or small estate insurance only affidavit, to have the decedent’s property and finances distributed. In Pennsylvania, a court will decide this distribution, with or without probate also being involved, with or without a will (although this generally pertains to property not listed in the will, or if there is no will), and with or without appraisal of the property, at the court’s discretion.

Affidavit of Heirship: in Pennsylvania, this affidavit covers a deceased loved one’s finances, including bank accounts, final wages and employee benefits (like retirement accounts), and patient or government benefits like welfare checks.

Small Estate Affidavit: The value of real estate property in Pennsylvania may not exceed $50,000 for direct relatives like spouses, children, and parents, or $25,000 for other successors.

Small Estate Affidavit, Insurance Only: this small estate affidavit allows successors to collect insurance payments from the decedent’s insurance company up to $11,000.



Under Title 20, Chapter 31, § 3101, successors may file an affidavit of heirship to collect a deceased loved one’s finances, which include bank accounts, final wages and employee benefits, and patient benefits (including final welfare checks). Government benefits including welfare and patient benefits may not exceed $3,500 total, while…

In Pennsylvania, small estate affidavits are governed under Title 20, Chapter 31, § 3102. The state allows successors of a deceased loved one to file a small estate affidavit for any real estate property not divided among heirs in a last will and testament. The value of the property may…

The Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit for Insurance Only allows successors to file an affidavit to collect up to $11,000 of life insurance from the decedent’s life insurance company. This small estate affidavit can be filed when 60 days (2 months) have passed after a loved one passes away, and as…