Pro Se Estate Administration (without attorney)
Estate Administration requires that a personal representative for a decedent be given the responsibility of collecting assets, satisfying obligations such as debts, expenses and taxes, and distributing property to heirs and beneficiaries. A decedent’s Will names an Executor(trix), who should be named as personal representative. If the decedent did not have a Will, the law establishes who can be appointed as Administrator to handle the estate.
An estate attorney can provide advice, determine whether Administration will be required, and explain what procedures will be involved. If you choose to not consult an attorney to represent you through Estate Administration, you may file Pro Se (on one’s own behalf) to be named personal representative. Below are three packets of information for Pro Se individuals to file for Estate Administration.
Estate Administration Information Booklet
Estate & Probate Future Filings Booklet
Clerks in the Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court office are NOT permitted to give legal advice or complete estate documents on behalf of a personal representative. If advice is needed, only Pennsylvania licensed attorneys are permitted to represent persons before the Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court.