Can any distribution be made without probate and grant of letters or a judicial decision (Orphans' Court)?

Yes. Probate, Estates, and Fiduciaries Code Section 3101 authorizes any bank/financial institution to release up to $10,000 to surviving spouse, any child, mother/father, sibling of the decedent without a short certificate. You will need to furnish an original death certificate and a copy of the paid funeral bill (or an Affidavit from the funeral director that satisfactory arrangements have been made for the payment).

If you have problems with any bank refusing to follow the statutes, please contact us with the details including date, branch, decedent's name, and to whom you spoke. We will forward your complaint to the Pennsylvania Banking Commission.

Insurance companies may release up to $11,000 to named family members rather than to the estate.

Show All Answers

1. Do you have my will on file?
2. If I am named in a will as Executor, what do I need to do?
3. How do I get a short certificate?
4. What documents and persons are required to probate a will?
5. Can I probate anywhere I want?
6. Will you help me to probate / administer this estate?
7. What happens to the estate if the decedent died intestate (leaving no will)?
8. Can any distribution be made without probate and grant of letters or a judicial decision (Orphans' Court)?
9. What are the filing requisites for estates?
10. What are the filing requisites for Orphans' Court?