Probate & Estate Administration
A Will - or Last Will and Testament - is a legal document that outlines how an individual’s assets will be divided after their death. It also specifies a person to manage this process, known as the executor or administrator. Administering a Will through probate may seem straightforward, but it is often a complex and lengthy process.
Probate is the legal process of administering an estate, and resolving all claims to assets and property. The probate process occurs whether a person dies with a Will or without one (intestate). If a person had an estate plan, probate involves validating the Will and interpreting the intent and instructions contained within it. If a person dies without a W`ill, then probate requires following Pennsylvania law on intestate succession.
Probate involves not only the distribution of an estate, but also the resolution of any creditor claims, assignment of an executor or administrator, and preparing and filing the inheritance tax return. The process works on behalf of heirs and other parties who may have claims against the estate.
Most of us have heard stories from friends or family members about the difficulties they encountered while navigating the probate process. The experience is often made harder because the executor is often a loved one dealing with their own grief along with these new responsibilities. Managing family conflict is often another challenge for the executor of an estate.
To learn more about how our law office can help you through the probate process, call us at 724-520-2222 or click below to schedule your free initial consultation.
Below are some of the most common services that we provide as part of the probate/estate administration process:
Identification, collection, and determination of values of assets
Payment of all debts, expenses, and taxes from estate and trust assets
Advice as to the disposition of jointly held assets, life insurance, and retirement benefits
Transfer of real estate
Preparation of state inheritance tax returns
Notifying all heirs and beneficiaries of the trust or estate
Communicating with beneficiaries
If you are a beneficiary of an estate, an executor, or a trustee, contact us for support in handling the transition of your loved ones assets as easily as possible. Our primary objective is to make this process as easy as possible for you and to keep your family out of court and out of conflict.