Whether you’re planning for yourself or someone else, the resources below are vital when it comes to organizing and settling an estate in Pennsylvania.
Advance Directive Form
Download the Advance Directive form for Pennsylvania. For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Advance Directive forms.
Order Death Certificates
Death Certificate instructions for Pennsylvania. For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Death Certificate ordering information.
Digital Estate Planning Laws
Proposed Law: SB 518 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, Amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries)
Description: On August 23, 2012 HB 2580 [Full text of proposed Bill] was introduced amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes providing personal representatives power over decedent account on social networking website, micro-blogging or short message service website or e-mail service website. This appears to not have passed, making SB 518 a more recent attempt for executors and trustees to access digital assets after death [Full text of proposed Bill].
Date introduced: February 20, 2015
Status: This passed the House on November 18, 2015 and was referred to the Judiciary on November 18, 2015. The current status is unknown.
For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Digital Estate Planning Laws.
Death With Dignity Legislation (a.k.a. Aid-In-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death)
- Senate Bill 1032 titled “Death with Dignity Act” was introduced to the Judiciary Committee in June 2013. It is currently still open for consideration.
For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Death With Dignity Legislation.
Organ Donation Registries
Pennsylvania Organ Donation registry official link. For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Organ Donation registries.
POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) Form
Download the POLST form for Pennsylvania residents. For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state POLST forms.
Probate Laws
Title 20: Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries
For other states, see our complete list of state-by-state Probate Laws.
Estate And Inheritance Tax Rate
- The top inheritance tax rate is 15 percent (no exemption threshold)
For estate and inheritance tax in other states see our complete list of state-by-state Estate And Inheritance Tax Rates.
