Identification of Executor/Administrator: After a death, a close family member will usually come forward with a will. The will usually names the person who is to be the executor of the estate. If there is no will, usually a family member petitions the Register of Wills to become the Estate's Administrator.

Filing of Will with the Court: The executor or personal representative will file a Petition for Grant of Letters Testamentary if there is a Will or Grant of Letters of Administration if there is no Will. 

Notice of Probate Proceeding: The public must be notified of the death so that creditors can request payment for debts. This is done by advertising the grant of letters in a newspaper of general circulation at or near the place where the decedent resided, and in a legal periodical.

Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate: The most time-consuming part of the process for most executors is documentation of the estate. This includes valuation and collection of financial assets, such as bank accounts, investment accounts, final paychecks and retirement accounts. It also includes documenting outstanding debts.

Payment of Outstanding Debts: It’s the job of the executor to pay any outstanding bills out of the assets of the estate. This includes the cost of administering the estate, funeral expenses, outstanding household and medical expenses, creditors and taxes.

Preparation of the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return: The Inheritance Tax Return must be filed and the tax paid within 9 months from the decedent's passing.

Transfer of property: Once the bills have been paid, and the inheritance tax return is approved and, if necessary, a federal Estate tax return filed and approved, then the remaining assets can be transferred to the heirs and beneficiaries. A deed to a home may be transferred to a new owner, or a home may be sold.