The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, heirs generally do not have an automatic right to go through a deceased person’s private computers or files just because they are heirs. However, a properly appointed personal representative (executor/administrator) often can access digital assets stored on the decedent’s physical devices when it is reasonably necessary to administer the estate—subject to limits, the decedent’s directions, and privacy concerns.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Pennsylvania has a specific law governing fiduciary access to “digital assets” (which can include files stored on a computer, phone, or external drive, and certain account-related information). The key distinction is usually who is asking (an heir vs. the court-appointed personal representative) and what is being accessed (a device in the home vs. an online account controlled by a provider with terms of service).

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3915.

This statute provides that a fiduciary with authority over a decedent’s tangible personal property has the right to access the property and any digital asset stored in the property, and is treated as an “authorized user” for purposes of Pennsylvania computer access laws when acting within the scope of fiduciary duties.

Separately, when the information is held by an online provider (“custodian”), Pennsylvania law sets rules for what the personal representative can demand and what the provider must disclose. For example, unless the user prohibited disclosure or a court orders otherwise, a custodian must disclose certain non-content digital assets and a catalog of communications if statutory requirements are met. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3908.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Even though the statute gives a personal representative meaningful authority, applying it to “private computers and personal information” is rarely straightforward. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Who has legal authority: Only a properly appointed executor/administrator with valid “letters” typically has the power to act for the estate; heirs may not. Disputes often arise when family members access devices before an appointment or without consent.
• Scope and privacy limits: A fiduciary’s authority is limited by fiduciary duties (including confidentiality) and cannot be used to impersonate the user. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3915.
• Online accounts vs. local files: Accessing files stored on a device in the home is different from compelling Google/Apple/Facebook or an email provider to disclose information, which can trigger additional statutory requirements and provider terms of service. See, e.g., 20 Pa.C.S. § 3906 and 20 Pa.C.S. § 3908.

If you are trying to prevent unwanted access (or you suspect someone already accessed devices improperly), an attorney can help you evaluate whether the person had legal authority, what remedies are available in Orphans’ Court, and how to protect sensitive information while still allowing lawful estate administration.

For related probate information, you may also find these helpful: forcing an executor to share estate information in Pennsylvania and finding a deceased spouse’s assets in Pennsylvania.

Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney

Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened Probate attorney in Pennsylvania to discuss your specific facts and options.

Find a Pennsylvania Attorney Now

Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.