Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Contact the Office of the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased resided. That is where wills are probated, and that office will be able to tell you if a will has been probated.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

Estates are a matter of public record. What county/state did the perrson who died reside in at the time of their death? If they lived in a nursing home in one county, did they own land in another county? I would start with the Orphans' Court in the county where the person lived or owned land at the time of his/her death and see if an estate file for that person was opened up. Depending on the date of death, enough time may have passed so that you or any other interested person can compel the executor to produce a will and probate the estate if there is a will. If there is no will, then you or anyone that is interested could apply for letters of administration and probate the estate.

A word of caution - if you are seeking to compel the executor to produce a will or seeking to apply for letters, then I would consult a probate attorney first.