Intestate Succession in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Pennsylvania grants the surviving spouse the entire estate if only children survive; otherwise the spouse and children split the property.
How Pennsylvania treats Intestate Succession
Pennsylvania's intestate succession heavily favors surviving spouses. If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse receives the first $30,000 plus one-half of the remaining estate, with children sharing the rest. If no spouse survives, children inherit equally. Pennsylvania also recognizes the right of representation, meaning grandchildren can inherit their parent's share if that parent predeceases.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.