How does title to real estate pass upon death in Pennsylvania if no will is devised?

In Pennsylvania, when a person dies without a will, this situation is referred to as dying "intestate." Under intestacy laws, the title to real estate passes according to the state’s statutory scheme, which prioritizes the decedent's next of kin. Typically, this means that the property will go to the decedent's blood relatives or the surviving spouse, reflecting the state's intention to keep property within the family.

Under Pennsylvania law, if the decedent has a surviving spouse but no children, the spouse inherits the entire estate. If there are both a surviving spouse and children, the spouse is entitled to a portion of the estate, and the remainder is divided among the children. In the absence of a surviving spouse, the estate passes to relatives, starting with children, then to siblings, parents, and further down the line of kin.

This framework supports the principle that the decedent’s close family members should inherit their property, rather than it reverting to the state, which typically occurs only if no relatives can be found.

Designated beneficiaries as mentioned in other options specifically apply under circumstances where a will or legal documents like trusts are involved, which are not applicable in the intestate scenario. Thus, the passing of title aligns with the established laws