Families could ask courts to distribute small estates after review

A court could distribute personal property based on a petition after reviewing it for 60 days. The process applies to a person who died domiciled in Pennsylvania and whose qualifying property has a gross value of $50,000 or less. The calculation excludes real estate and property payable through sections 3101.1 and 3101.2, but includes personal property claimed as a family exemption. A will must be attached if there is one. The court may prohibit distribution. Interested people may ask to undo an improper distribution within four months after the closing statement is filed. Distribution may proceed by copy of the petition after the court has had it for 60 days and has not prohibited it.

A close relative could collect certain personal property and payments owed to someone who died by presenting a sworn affidavit. A surviving spouse, child, parent, or sibling may claim, in that order of preference. The probate estate, excluding real estate, must be worth no more than $35,000. The claimant must provide a certified death certificate and a notarized affidavit. The affidavit form asks whether an estate representative has been appointed or is expected to be appointed. People with a stronger right and estate creditors may still make claims; the claimant must keep records for six years. The process may be used 30 days after the person's death, if no application or petition to appoint an estate representative is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction.

A court could review an agent's conduct under a power of attorney, remove the agent, end the agent's authority, or grant other relief. This applies to a principal and the person acting as their agent under a power of attorney. The principal, agent, certain fiduciaries, health care decision-makers, people with a good-faith concern, government agencies, and people asked to accept the power may petition. If the principal asks, the court must dismiss the petition unless the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agent's authority or the power of attorney.

An adult or emancipated minor could leave written instructions for their remains or name someone to decide how they are handled. A person of sound mind who is at least 18, or an emancipated minor, may make the written instructions. The instructions must be dated, signed, and witnessed by two people who are not expected to provide funeral services. A later instruction controls, subject to rules for anatomical gifts. The instructions apply to the person's remains after death.