The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, the ability to obtain a HUD-1/closing statement and related closing documents during probate usually depends on who you are (personal representative vs. beneficiary/heir) and where the documents are kept (title/settlement company, lender, or the estate’s probate filings). If you are a party in interest and the personal representative has not provided adequate information, Pennsylvania law gives tools to require an inventory and accounting that can help surface real estate transaction details.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

When a person dies owning property, the personal representative (executor/administrator) has statutory duties to identify and report estate assets and, when required, to account for transactions involving those assets. Those filings and accountings are often the most direct probate-based path to confirming what happened with a property sale and what funds came into (or went out of) the estate.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3301.

This statute establishes that the personal representative must file a verified inventory of the decedent’s estate assets, and it also allows a party in interest to request that an inventory be filed earlier than it otherwise might be.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Timing matters. For example, Pennsylvania law sets timeframes for when a personal representative may file an account and when they can be compelled to do so. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3501.1.
• Burden of Proof: If you suspect missing sale proceeds, improper charges, or an off-the-books transaction, you typically need reliable documentation (settlement statement, ledger, disbursement sheet, payoff, deed recordings) and a clear link to the estate’s administration.
• Exceptions and Access Issues: Closing documents may be held by a title/settlement agent, lender, or other third party who may refuse release unless you have proper authority (letters testamentary/administration) or a court order. Whether you can compel production can depend on your legal status and the posture of the estate administration.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to delays, incomplete records, or missed opportunities to challenge an inaccurate inventory/accounting. A Pennsylvania probate attorney can evaluate your standing, identify the right source for the HUD-1/closing file, and take appropriate action if the personal representative is not providing required information.

If you want more background on probate wrap-up issues, you may find these helpful: closing a probate estate in Pennsylvania and family settlement agreements involving a house.

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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.