In Pennsylvania, the legal requirements for notifying heirs and beneficiaries during estate administration depend on several factors, including whether the decedent had a valid will, the specific provisions of that will, and the type of estate administration being conducted.
If the decedent left a valid will, the executor named in the will is responsible for providing notice to all beneficiaries named in that will. In addition, under Pennsylvania statute, the decedent’s spouse and children, whether or not they are named in, or have an interest under the will, must be noticed.
If the decedent died without a valid will, meaning they died intestate, the rules of intestate succession outlined by the Commonwealth determine who inherits their assets. In such cases, the administrator of the estate is responsible for identifying and notifying the decedent’s heirs at law, often their closest relatives.
Notice should be given as soon as possible, and is also required to be published, often in a newspaper and legal journal. There may be other notice requirements if minors or charities are involved, as well as other circumstances that may trigger notification requirements.
Executors, administrators, and personal representatives should seek guidance from a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and to navigate the estate administration process as quickly and effectively as possible.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this article, or any estate planning matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company 724-832-2499.