After someone you love passes away, the last thing you may want is to deal with home maintenance or unpaid bills. It is important to act early to avoid having a “haunted house” to deal with issues before they become an emergency. At Sikov and Love, P.A., our Pittsburgh-based probate and estate administration attorneys help families resolve these challenges and protect inheritances.
To minimize complications, act promptly:
- Have a Plan to Pay the Bills. Unpaid utility bills and taxes can place your real estate at risk of foreclosure or sheriff’s sale. Plan ahead to ensure that those bills can be paid after death.
- Secure the Property: Change locks if needed, maintain insurance, and protect against vandalism or deterioration.
- Locate Important Documents: Find the deed, mortgage statements, tax records, and the will (if any).
- Obtain Multiple Death Certificates: Needed for title transfers, banks, and government agencies.
- Notify Relevant Parties: Inform mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and local tax authorities.
- File for Probate (if required): Open probate in the county where the decedent resided.
- Transfer or Sell the Property: The sale or appraised value is used in computing inheritance taxes.
- Pay Inheritance Tax: Due within nine months of death; late payments can incur interest and penalties.
Delays in these steps can lead to accumulating costs, tax penalties, or lost value. Our attorneys at Sikov and Love, P.A. help Pittsburgh families create these protections, reducing stress for individuals and their loved ones.
Don’t Let Real Estate Haunt You
Dealing with real estate after death doesn’t have to be frightening. With the right plan, you can ensure a smooth, efficient transfer that preserves value, minimizes family conflict, and avoids stress. At Sikov and Love, P.A., we guide families through probate, estate administration, and proactive planning to secure their legacy.
Contact our Pittsburgh office today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your “haunted house” before it becomes a reality.