PENNSYLVANIA PROBATE / ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
ESTATES, TRUSTS & TAX
INTRODUCTION TO PROBATE
When a loved one passes away, his or her estate, if not left in a funded living trust, goes through a process called probate to manage and distribute the assets of someone who passed away. Probate means to “prove a will.” If your loved one had a Last Will & Testament in Pennsylvania and you need probate assistance in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area, our firm can assist you. Please note that probate should occur as soon as possible, as there are many time-sensitive procedures that must be completed, such as paying inheritance taxes, giving notice to creditors, and other important deadlines.
ARE YOU AN EXECUTOR OF AN ESTATE THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE? CONTACT US FOR YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY.
HOW DOES PROBATE WORK?
Every probate estate is unique, but most involve the following steps:
- Filing of a petition with the proper Pennsylvania Register of Wills (i.e., Montgomery County Register of Wills).
- Notice to heirs under the Will or to statutory heirs (if no Will exists).
- Petition to appoint Executor (in the case of a Will) or Administrator for the estate.
- Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by Executor/Administrator.
- Payment of estate debt to rightful creditors.
- Sale of estate assets.
- Payment of Pennsylvania Inheritance Taxes and Federal Estate Taxes.
- Final distribution of assets to heirs.
For more information, check out our step-by-step probate guide.
A LOVED ONE PASSED AWAY IN MY FAMILY AND I AM THE EXECUTOR. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
The best thing you can do now is to find and secure the original Last Will & Testament. Next, hire a qualified estate administration attorney to assist you in the matter. Our firm can assist you in this matter.
FREQUENT PROBATE ISSUES
NEXT STEPS
If we can be of assistance in your probate or estate administration matter, please Contact Us today.
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