In the context of Pennsylvania estate law, what happens if there is a will?

When a valid will exists in Pennsylvania estate law, the estate is administered according to the instructions set forth in that will. This means that the property and assets of the deceased individual, referred to as the testator, will be distributed to the beneficiaries named in the will. The testator has the right to specify how their estate should be handled, including designating particular individuals to receive certain assets, appointing executors to manage the estate, and laying out any specific terms that apply to the distribution.

The significance of having a will is that it provides clear guidance on the wishes of the deceased, which helps reduce potential disputes among heirs and clarifies the estate administration process. In contrast, without a will, state intestacy laws dictate how the estate is distributed, which may not align with the deceased's intentions.

The options regarding selling the estate at auction, state possession, or requiring all heirs to agree on distribution do not apply in the context of a valid will, as the will provides a specific and legally binding directive for distribution.