Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

20 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5518 (2026)

 Evidence of incapacity.

✓ current as of May 2026
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§ 5518.  Evidence of incapacity.

To establish incapacity, the petitioner must present testimony, in person or by deposition from individuals qualified by training and experience in evaluating individuals with incapacities of the type alleged by the petitioner, which establishes the nature and extent of the alleged incapacities and disabilities and the person's mental, emotional and physical condition, adaptive behavior and social skills. The petition must also present evidence regarding the services being utilized to meet essential requirements for the alleged incapacitated person's physical health and safety, to manage the person's financial resources or to develop or regain the person's abilities; evidence regarding the types of assistance required by the person and as to why no less restrictive alternatives would be appropriate; and evidence regarding the probability that the extent of the person's incapacities may significantly lessen or change.

(Apr. 16, 1992, P.L.108, No.24, eff. 60 days)

 

1992 Amendment.  See section 21 of Act 24 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to applicability.

Cross References.  Section 5518 is referred to in section 5511 of this title.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 16 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 1987–2022 · leading case: Hilkmann v. Hilkmann, 858 A.2d 58 (Pa. 2004).
Hilkmann v. Hilkmann, 858 A.2d 58 (Pa. 2004). · cites it 2× “Hilkmann guardian without receiving the required medical testimony, see 20 Pa.C.S. §§ 5518, 5518.1. According to Mr.”
In Re Hyman, 811 A.2d 605 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2002). “acity? Did the court below err in denying [Appellant’s] request for the appointment of an independent party to evaluate his mother solely on the ground that the court had observed her and saw no need to appoint an independent evaluator? Did the court below err in dismissing…”
In Re Fiori, 652 A.2d 1350 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1995). · cites it 2× “5) Evidence of incapacity must be by testimony or deposition from individuals qualified to evaluate the individual's incapacity, and evidence is to be elicited as to the likelihood the incapacity may significantly lessen or change, 20 Pa.C.S. § 5518. 6) The level of proof…”
In Re Est. of Wood, 533 A.2d 772 (Pa. 1987). “20 Pa.Cons.Stat.Ann. § 5518 (Purdon 1975) (emphasis added).”
In Re: Kline, C., an Incapacitated Person (Pa. Super. Ct. 2016). “,7 a clinical psychologist, concluding Kline was an incapacitated person, see 20 Pa.C.S. § 5518, and in need of a guardian of the person and estate.”
In the Matter of Harper Appeal of Harper (Pa. Super. Ct. 2017). “This evidence of record wholly satisfies the requirement of 20 Pa.C.S. §5518 that the Petitioner provide evidence of incapacity from a qualified individual.”
In Re: Est. of: Benner, S. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2018). “20 Pa.C.S. § 5518. When determining incapacity, the court should consider and make specific findings of fact concerning the following factors: (1) The nature of any condition or disability which impairs the individual’s capacity to make and communicate decisions.”
Review & Vacatur of Local Orphans' Court Rules (Pa. 2018). “See also 20 Pa.C.S. § 5518. After considering additional feedback, the Committee further refined the report and form, which were republished for comment.”
Order Rescinding & Replacing Rules 14.1 Through 14.5 & Forms G-01 Through G-04, & Amending Rules 1.5, 5.10 Through 5.12 & Index to Appendix of PA Orphans' Court Rules (Pa. 2018). “See also 20 Pa.C.S. § 5518. After considering additional feedback, the Committee further refined the report and form, which were republished for comment.”
Order Rescinding & Replacing Rules 14.1 Through 14.5 & Forms G-01 Through G-04, & Amending Rules 1.5, 5.10 Through 5.12 & Index to Appendix of PA Orphans' Court Rules (Pa. 2018). “See 20 Pa.C.S. § 5518. “Deposition,” as used in this Rule is intended to be a deposition conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.”
Est. of Phillips, R., an Alleged Incapacitated (Pa. Super. Ct. 2018). “20 Pa.C.S. § 5518 (emphasis added). At the outset, we reject the agency’s bullet-point list of assertions that we should grant relief because Ms.”
In Re: Douglas, M., Appeal of: Douglas, C. (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019). “20 Pa.C.S. § 5518 (emphasis added). Based upon the evidence presented by Renee and Kerrie, the Orphans’ Court painstakingly reviewed the record and entered 74 detailed findings of fact: 1.”
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