The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, you generally can disclaim (renounce) an inheritance as long as you do it before you “accept” it. The biggest legal risk is waiting too long and taking actions that count as acceptance—because once acceptance occurs, your right to disclaim can be barred.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Pennsylvania allows a beneficiary/heir to disclaim an interest in property (in whole or in part) by a written disclaimer. The key timing concept under Pennsylvania law is not a fixed number of days in most situations—it is whether you have already accepted the inheritance, either explicitly or through conduct.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 6206.

This statute establishes that a disclaimer must be made before acceptance, and it explains actions that can be treated as acceptance (for example, taking possession, transferring the interest, waiving the right to disclaim, or making representations others rely on).

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 (Practical and Tax-Driven): Pennsylvania’s rule focuses on acceptance, but other deadlines can matter depending on the asset type and your goals (for example, tax planning or coordinated estate administration). A delay can also create disputes with the estate or other beneficiaries.
• Burden of Proof: Whether you “accepted” can turn on facts—bank activity, possession of property, communications with the executor, or signing documents. Under the statute, acceptance that bars a disclaimer must be affirmatively proved, but litigation over this is expensive and risky.
• Exceptions and Asset-Specific Traps: Different rules can apply depending on whether the inheritance comes by will/intestacy versus a trust, beneficiary designation, or survivorship property—and the statute also addresses partial acceptance and how timing can change its effect.

Because a disclaimer can change who receives property and can trigger creditor, tax, and family conflict issues, getting advice early can prevent an irreversible mistake.

Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney

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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.