Millions of Americans have benefitted from the non-probate transfer of personal property to their beneficiaries upon their death.  The proceeds of life insurance policies and pension plans are just a couple of examples of this simple yet effective transfer process.
 
However, Pennsylvania does not currently have a similarly straightforward, inexpensive and reliable means of passing real estate directly to a beneficiary outside of the probate process.  This is a significant gap in the law since for many people in low and middle income families, a home is the single most valuable asset in their estate.
 
That’s why we are introducing legislation to enact the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act in Pennsylvania.  First approved by the Uniform Law Commission in 2009, this act enables an owner to pass real property to a beneficiary at the owner’s death simply, directly and without probate by executing and recording a “Transfer On Death” deed.  The owner retains all ownership rights in the property while living, including the right to sell the property, to revoke the deed, or to name a different beneficiary.
 
Twenty-two (22) states have enacted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act and five others have introduced it this legislative session.  Please join us in supporting this important piece of legislation for Pennsylvania real property owners.