Detailed Answer

Short answer: North Carolina’s $60,000 “year’s allowance” rule does not control what happens in Pennsylvania. If you are dealing with a Pennsylvania estate (or need to administer property located in Pennsylvania), you must follow Pennsylvania probate rules. Pennsylvania does not use North Carolina’s dollar cap; instead, it has its own rules about when a full administration is required and when assets can be collected or transferred by affidavit or other simplified means. The practical steps to “switch” from relying on a year’s allowance or a different state’s rule to a Pennsylvania small‑estate route are: (1) determine which state’s law applies, (2) determine whether Pennsylvania allows collection without administration for the assets involved, and (3) either use the non‑administration/small‑estate procedures or open a full or summary estate in the Orphans’ Court or Register of Wills.

Who decides which law applies?

The probate law that governs an asset generally depends on where the asset is located and where the decedent was domiciled at death. Real estate is administered where it is located. Bank accounts and personal property are generally administered where the decedent was domiciled. If the decedent was domiciled in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania probate law controls. If the decedent was domiciled in another state, that state’s law may govern—so be careful about mixing rules from two states.

How Pennsylvania handles small estates and non‑administration

Pennsylvania allows certain transfers and collections of a decedent’s personal property without opening a full estate in some limited situations. Courts and institutions (banks, title companies) often accept proof such as an affidavit, a small‑estate affidavit, or a certified copy of a will and a short certificate/letters when the estate is small or when the asset holder accepts that proof. But acceptance by banks or other holders varies by institution and county, and some assets (real property, certain securities, life insurance payable to the estate) frequently require a formal appointment (letters testamentary or of administration).

There is not a single, nationwide small‑estate form that every Pennsylvania bank must accept; instead, look to:

• Pennsylvania’s statutes governing decedents’ estates (Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes) for statutory mechanisms and thresholds;
• Local Register of Wills / Orphans’ Court practice in the county where the decedent lived or where real property is located; and
• Individual bank or seller requirements for transfer or release of property.

For the state statutes, see Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=20.

If you’ve already relied on a year’s allowance from another state (like NC) and hit a dollar cap, what to do in Pennsylvania

1. Confirm jurisdiction and applicable law. Where was the decedent domiciled? Where are the main assets located? If the decedent was domiciled in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania rules apply. If assets are in Pennsylvania but the decedent was domiciled elsewhere, you may need ancillary administration in Pennsylvania.
2. Inventory the assets and identify who is asking for money (creditors, spouse, children, beneficiaries). Prepare a list of cash, bank accounts, personal property, real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance, and expected debts.
3. Contact the county Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court. Ask whether a simplified procedure is available for the assets you need to collect, and whether the county has a standard affidavit form or small‑estate procedure. County offices vary in what they will accept.
4. Ask institutions what proof they will accept. Banks, brokerage firms, and title companies each set their own requirements. Some accept a signed affidavit and ID for small amounts; others insist on letters testamentary or administration. Get their exact requirements in writing where possible.
5. If non‑administration is not possible, open probate or ancillary administration promptly. If the assets exceed what the bank or county will release without formal appointment, you will likely need to file a petition for appointment of an executor or administrator in the Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court in the appropriate county. That opens an estate, lets you obtain letters that institutions recognize, and handles claims, allowances, and distributions under Pennsylvania law.
6. Consider temporary relief for support needs. If a surviving spouse or minor children need immediate money for living expenses, ask the Register of Wills or court about an allowance or short‑term distribution while the estate is pending. Courts can sometimes order an interim allowance for support even before final settlement.
7. Keep clear records and consider counsel for complicated situations. If multiple states, contested claims, or large assets are involved, or if you are uncertain whether institutions will accept affidavits, consult a Pennsylvania probate attorney or the Register of Wills office in the relevant county.

Where to find official Pennsylvania resources

• Title 20, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Decedents, Estates, and Fiduciaries): https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=20
• Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (main site — resources on wills, probate and filing in Orphans’ Court): https://www.pacourts.us/
• Your county’s Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court website — search via the Pennsylvania courts site for local filing rules, forms, and contact information.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Suppose a decedent who lived in Philadelphia died leaving $55,000 in bank accounts in Pennsylvania and a small vehicle. A North Carolina year’s allowance rule (the $60,000 cap) would not apply if the decedent was domiciled in Pennsylvania. The survivor should:

• Contact the Philadelphia Register of Wills to ask whether the banks will accept an affidavit to release funds.
• Check each bank’s policy. If the banks accept a small‑estate affidavit, collect the funds and use them for immediate needs.
• If a bank refuses, file for a summary probate or appointment of an administrator in Philadelphia Orphans’ Court to obtain letters that the bank will honor.

Key takeaways

• Don’t assume the North Carolina $60,000 year’s allowance applies in Pennsylvania—determine domicile and asset location first.
• Pennsylvania offers limited non‑administration options, but what will be accepted varies by county and by the institution holding the asset.
• If you cannot collect property through affidavit or informal means, open an estate (probate/administration) in the proper Pennsylvania court.
• Contact the local Register of Wills or a Pennsylvania probate attorney early when assets, multiple states, or urgent support needs are involved.

Helpful Hints

• Start by confirming the decedent’s domicile — that determines the primary governing law.
• Get written statements from banks and title companies about what proof they will accept to release funds.
• Ask the Register of Wills whether your county has a small‑estate affidavit form or local practice for informal collections.
• Keep an inventory and copies of all communications and receipts — institutions and courts expect clear records.
• If you need money quickly for spouse/children support, ask about interim allowances or emergency distributions while the probate process proceeds.
• When in doubt, consult a Pennsylvania probate attorney — especially if the estate crosses state lines or includes real estate, retirement, or other complex assets.

Disclaimer: This article explains general information about Pennsylvania probate and small‑estate procedures. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different; consult a Pennsylvania probate attorney or your county Register of Wills for advice tailored to your circumstances.