How much does probate cost in Pennsylvania?

Probate costs in Pennsylvania depend on estate size and complexity. Pennsylvania uses reasonable compensation as determined by the orphans' court; local county rules provide guidance. The typical timeline is 6-18 months. Use our free Pennsylvania Probate Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Can I avoid probate in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania allows a small estate affidavit for estates valued under $50,000. This simplified process lets heirs collect assets without formal probate.

How much do executors get paid in Pennsylvania?

Reasonable compensation as determined by the Orphans' Court; varies by county

Does Pennsylvania have a state estate tax?

No. Pennsylvania does not impose a separate state estate tax. Only the federal estate tax applies.

How much does a divorce cost in Pennsylvania?

Divorce filing fees in Pennsylvania range from $135 to $388. Total costs depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, attorney fees, and any custody or property disputes.

What free legal calculators are available for Pennsylvania?

Made For Law offers 28+ free calculators customized for Pennsylvania, including probate costs, executor fees, divorce costs, child support, alimony, property division, personal injury, bankruptcy, and more. All tools use verified Pennsylvania statutory data.

Is Made For Law affiliated with the Pennsylvania government or courts?

No. Made For Law is an independent private company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency, court system, or bar association. Our calculators use publicly available statutory data for educational purposes only. Always verify results with official Pennsylvania sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions.

All States / Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Legal Calculators

44 free calculators built with verified Pennsylvania statutory data. Covering all 67 counties.

Reviewed by the Made for Law editorial teamUpdated Mar 2026Cites Pennsylvania statutes

Probate: 6-18 monthsSmall estate: $50,000Equitable distributionNo state estate tax

Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer

Pennsylvania Legal Overview

Pennsylvania probate is administered through the county Register of Wills—each of the state's 67 counties has one—not a centralized court. Executor compensation under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3537 is "reasonable," and the Orphans' Court in each county sets practical benchmarks. Philadelphia's Orphans' Court publishes a compensation schedule frequently cited across the state; Pittsburgh's Allegheny County uses different informal norms. Estates under $50,000 qualify for a small estate petition, which is faster but still requires Register of Wills approval.

Pennsylvania has no state estate tax but does levy an inheritance tax—a separate and distinct levy most other states have eliminated. The rates depend on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent: 0% for transfers to a surviving spouse or minor child (under 21), 4.5% for direct descendants, 12% for siblings, and 15% for all other heirs. Jointly owned property between spouses is also exempt. On a $500,000 estate passing to adult children, that's $22,500 due to the Commonwealth before federal estate tax is even considered.

Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3502. Divorce filing fees range widely by county—$135 in rural counties to $388 in Philadelphia—reflecting local court cost schedules. The state's homestead exemption is $0, making Pennsylvania one of only a handful of states that offers no protection for a primary residence against general creditor claims in bankruptcy or civil judgments.