Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

A Short Certificate is a document that is certified proof of the appointment of the Estate�s Personal Representative (Executor or Administrator). It is required to gain access to the assets of the decedent. The term "short" certificate refers to the size of the document.

It is issued to the Executor or Administrator. I do not know of any identification requirements specifically for a short certificate. There may be identification requirements when a petition for letters testamentary or letters of administration are filed initially. You will probably need a photo id (like a driver's license). However, usually the spouse, if any, or one of the children are qualified to be the administrator or executor.