Hi - my name is XXXXX XXXXX X'X an Estate Law attorney here to assist you.

Unfortunately, if you were not married and if the deceased partner did not leave a will directing that you were to receive any portion of the estate, you would not be entitled to inherit or receive any property that was owned at the time of death.

This is so because the laws of intestate succession (used when there is no will) only provide for the transfer of property to the legal heirs at law of the deceased - which does not include an un-married partner.

Here's a link to the law: http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/00.021.001.000.html

In this case, your right to any property of the estate would be limited to whatever his next of kin/heirs are willing to give you.

There is really no threat to stay in the house if there are no heirs or other people that will make a claim to the property. As long as the mortgage and taxes are paid, you should be left alone. No authorities ate going to intervene unless some default in payment occurs.

Also, you can take whatever belongs to you from the residence any time.

Beginning in 2005, marriage under common law in Pennsylvania was abolished.  However, any marriage made under the common law of Pennsylvania prior to 2005, however, remains valid.

Thus, you may be able to claim that you were married by common law.

The state is not likely to do anything at all.

Your best option is to see an attorney about claiming the estate as the common law spouse.