Easing The Burden Of Probate And Estate Administration For Erie, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania probate is no simple matter. The will of a loved one may be incomplete. Or, beneficiaries and heirs may contest a will, creating a lengthy and expensive process for you and your family. When you face the stress of probate complications, an experienced probate attorney can make a big difference in the settlement of your loved one’s estate. The time following the death of a loved one should not be filled with the stress and paperwork of probate and estate administration.
I can help. I am attorney Alan Natalie, and I have practiced probate and estate administration law in Erie since 1989. I offer free consultations across all practice areas.
Experienced Legal Guidance During A Difficult Time
In a case where there is no representative named on a loved one’s will, the court will appoint a representative. This person inventories all assets, pays bills, such as final taxes, funeral expenses and creditors, and distributes the leftover assets. There are also assets that, according to Pennsylvania probate law, skip the probate process. These assets include:
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts
- Bank accounts with payable or transfer on death clauses
- Living trust properties
However, even assets that skip probate can bring their own complexities. What’s more, estate administration comes with fiduciary duties that may be difficult to understand. I can explain these responsibilities and help guide you to ensure fulfillment of these legal obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Probate
While I would be happy to answer any questions you have at a consultation, below are some of the most common ones I see:
What is the difference between probate and estate administration in Pennsylvania?
Estate administration addresses a variety of issues, such as inventorying assets, distributing those assets to beneficiaries, paying taxes or final bills and generally just wrapping up the entire estate. The probate process, meanwhile, helps to determine how this is done. If there’s a will, then someone may be named as the personal representative to administer the estate. If there isn’t a will, it may also be necessary to identify potential beneficiaries in accordance with state law.
What is the role of a personal representative during the administration of a deceased person’s estate in Pennsylvania?
The personal representative is in charge of actually administering the estate and following the estate plan. For instance, they are the one who inventories the assets, distributes copies of the will, pays final bills and then distributes assets to the beneficiaries as intended. The estate plan specifies how this should be done, and it is the personal representative’s job to ensure that the plan is followed.
What specific assets must go through probate in Pennsylvania?
As a general rule, only personally owned assets have to go through probate. People may also have jointly-owned assets, such as a joint bank account or investment account. They may have real estate owned by multiple people, such as a surviving spouse. But for assets that the person owned individually, they need to go through probate so that the estate can be effectively distributed between the beneficiaries and descendants.
Why is hiring an attorney beneficial during the probate process?
Hiring an attorney is beneficial to ensure that the process goes smoothly and to reduce the odds of disputes between beneficiaries. Many people are going through this process for the first time, but an experienced attorney may have done it hundreds of times before. They can ensure that the laws are upheld and that everyone’s rights are respected.
Call Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law, To Learn More
It is important to have informed legal counsel with you for each step of probate and estate administration. To set up a free consultation, call my office at 814-616-3805 or send me an email.