Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Was the friend married? Did the friend have any children? If so, then the spouse or adult children should contact the Register of Wills at the Orphan's Court of the county in which the friend lived at the time of his/her death if this was in Pennsylvania. If there is no spouse or children, are there any parents or siblings? If there truly is no family member or next of kin, then an person can apply to be personal representative of the friend's estate. However, what did the friend own? The personal representative is entitled to a commission for their services but is not entitled to keep any estate assets. If there are few or no assets and/or lots of debts, this may end up being a thankless job so you may want to be sure that probate is necessary and will be worthwhile if you choose to take on this task.