Someone died in Pennsylvania. Start here.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Pennsylvania
The first 24 hours, in order, then the first week and the first month, with Pennsylvania's actual rules for death certificates, cremation, and probate. This page is free. No account required.
Sources: official Pennsylvania statutes and agencies, linked below. Last full review: June 2026.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours are the hardest. You're in shock. Here's exactly what needs to happen. In order.
The Pennsylvania rules that matter this week
These figures come from the same data as our full Pennsylvania guide, built from state statutes and official agencies.
Death certificate
Filed within 4 days
The funeral home usually files it. Order 10 or more certified copies ($20 per copy); banks, insurers, and agencies each want an original.
Source: 35 P.S. 450.401 (Pennsylvania Vital Statistics Law) ↗Cremation
48-hour wait
Pennsylvania requires a permit before cremation. The funeral home or crematory handles the paperwork; you sign the authorization.
Source: 35 P.S. 1386 et seq. (Pennsylvania Funeral Director Law) ↗Probate
$50,000 small-estate line
Estates under the threshold can use Pennsylvania's simplified process instead of full probate. Typical timeline: 9-18 months.
Source: 20 Pa. C.S. 3101 et seq. (Pennsylvania Probate, Estates a… ↗Inheritance tax
Yes, this state has one
Pennsylvania taxes some estates or inheritances. Most families still owe nothing, but check the guide before distributing anything.
Days 2–7 · 1–7 days
The First Week
The fog is still thick, but decisions have to be made. Here's what needs to happen in the first week.
Weeks 2–4 · 1–4 weeks
The First Month
The acute crisis is over. Now comes the long administrative slog. This is the part nobody warns you about.
The Long Game · 1 month+
Beyond the First Month
Estate administration can take 6–18 months. Here's what the long tail looks like.
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