Pennsyvania Probate Lawyer
People often ask, “What is probate?”
In a strict legal sense, the term “probate” refers to the process of proving the validity of a will. But the term is often used more generally to refer to the process of administering an estate under court rules and supervision.
The process begins with the filing of a petition to name someone to take charge of the estate, either an executor (if the deceased left a will) or an administrator (if there is no will). Pennsylvania probate law prescribes certain actions the executor or administrator must take, such as advertising the estate, giving notice to potential heirs, and filing an Inventory of probate assets (those assets titled solely in the name of the decedent).
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Pennsylvania probate law also sets rules on such matters as how and when creditors may make claims; the circumstances under which wills can be contested; and how an executor or administrator can obtain court approval for actions taken to administer and distribute an estate.
With the proper planning and actions, probate can go smoothly and carry out the wishes of the decedent in a timely manner.
At Sykes Elder Law, our attorneys assist with navigating probate in Pittsburgh to help families through a difficult time. From the filing of your petition through the closing of your estate including full estate administration services, our attorneys focus on your specific needs. We provide legal services at reasonable rates. For a consultation about your Pittsburgh probate needs, please contact us.
Estate Administration
Related Estate Administration Posts
If you are looking for more information about Estate Administration, here are some of our favorite blog posts. You can also click here for all of our Estate Administration posts.
What does an executor do?
After the death of a family member or friend, you find that the deceased’s will names you as the executor of the estate. What does that mean and what do you need to do? An executor has a number of important duties. The main ones are to collect and safeguard the assets...
Attorney fees in probate: how do Pennsylvania lawyers charge?
For many reasons, executors are well advised to use legal counsel to help them navigate through the probate process, look for tax savings, and make sure everything is done properly. How lawyers charge varies from state to state. This blog post explains the rules...
What to do When a Loved One Dies
A loved one’s death brings on a period of grieving and stress. People often ask: “What do I do now?” There is often much to be done in a short time period. One has to deal with the sorrow of loss, while at the same time attending to practical concerns. This...