When an individual leaves a will behind after their passing, the document goes through the probate process to verify its validity and to ensure that the division of the estate follows the deceased's intentions. An executor named in the will or appointed by the probate...
Probate and Estate Administration
How does an executor use a death certificate?
If you are preparing to serve as an executor for a deceased relative, certain estate documents will be important for you, such as the original copy of the will. However, you will also require multiple copies of the death certificate proving that your family member has...
Who can contest a Will that has been filed for probate?
Probate is the process during which the decedent’s Last Will and Testament are placed of record at the Register of Wills Office in the county where the decedent resided. The Orphans’ Court oversees the distribution of the assets of the Testator – the person’s whose...
How taxes and debts are paid from a decedent’s estate
Paying the decedent’s taxes and debts from the estate funds are part of the probate process in Pennsylvania. As noted by SmartAsset, certain heirs may incur an inheritance tax as a result of inheriting assets. Surviving spouses, however, have a “0” inheritance tax...
What are the personal representative’s duties involving inventory?
When someone names you as their personal representative, you will have many duties you must carry out when that person dies. You become responsible for the estate, and you must make sure you are completely transparent in all actions you take involving the state. To...
Are you prepared to administer your parent’s estate?
If your parents appointed you the executor of their Pennsylvania estate, you have likely been talking with them about their wishes. While you may understand who should receive what property, do you know what steps to take once they pass away? According to Kiplinger,...
How can a letter of instruction help my estate plans?
Some people compose a will but do not provide crucial information to carry the document out. For instance, you might specify in your will that your online accounts should go to your daughter but you have not disclosed the account passwords. If you write a letter of...
What makes serving as an Executor so hard?
Family members often see serving as the Executor as a position of honor. You may have also shared this view. However, once the work gets started, things can become complicated very quickly. The simplest mistake may not only cost you the ire of family members but also...
What are some mistakes executors make?
As an executor of a decedent’s estate, you have professional duties under the law that you must uphold to avoid legal issues. Forbes explains that many people do not understand the duties of an executor, which can lead to mistakes. You have personal liability for the...
What should I consider when choosing an executor for my estate?
The executor of your estate has an important job after your death. He or she will manage and disburse the estate under the guidance of the probate court. However, despite the court’s involvement, the executor has a lot of power. The court will generally leave...
