Detailed Answer
In Pennsylvania probate matters, the personal representative must file periodic and final accounts with the Orphans’ Court and provide copies to interested parties. Under the Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, 20 Pa.C.S. § 3544 requires the personal representative to submit an accounting of all receipts and disbursements. That statute is available here: 20 Pa.C.S. § 3544.
Additionally, 20 Pa.C.S. § 3550 grants “interested persons” the right to receive notice and a copy of the filed account. You can read it here: 20 Pa.C.S. § 3550. The Orphans’ Court Rules reinforce this obligation. Under Orphans’ Court Rule 4.4(b), the personal representative must serve or mail a copy of the account to each interested party within 20 days after filing. The full rules are accessible at the Pennsylvania Courts website: Orphans’ Court Rules.
If you qualify as an interested person (for example, a beneficiary or creditor), you may request a certified copy. If the personal representative does not comply within 10 days of your written request, you can file a petition in Orphans’ Court asking the judge to compel production or to impose sanctions. In practice, most courts grant a citation to enforce the statutory and rule-based duties of the fiduciary.
Key Points:
- The personal representative must file accounts (periodic and final) with the court (20 Pa.C.S. § 3544).
- Interested persons are entitled to notice and a copy of the account (20 Pa.C.S. § 3550).
- Service requirements appear in Orphans’ Court Rule 4.4(b) (Rule 4.4).
- Failure to provide a copy can be enforced by filing a petition for citation in Orphans’ Court.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Identify all interested persons early (beneficiaries, creditors, heirs).
- Track filing dates—periodic accounts often follow annual cycles.
- Send your written request for a copy via certified mail to establish proof of delivery.
- If you don’t receive the account, file a petition for citation under O.C.R. 4.4.
- Consider consulting an estate attorney if disputes or delays arise.