Estate administration is the process of handling a person’s debts and property after death. Some individuals work with estate planning lawyers to execute wills and trusts effective upon death, while others may forgo these legal documents. In either case, heirs may benefit from hiring a legal professional to handle legal matters after losing a loved one.
Working with experienced Franklin County and South Central Pennsylvania estate administration attorney Alexandra M. Sipe is often the best option for grieving families. Discuss the benefits of retaining Alexandra M. Sipe with her dedicated probate team today by calling (717) 413-7746 or connecting with her online.
Step-by-Step Guide to PA Estate Administration Procedures
Probate is the process of administering a decedents estate. It involves gathering and obtaining legal title to the deceased’s assets upon his or her passing. However, it often involves complex legal forms, heirship disputes, and creditor claims. Generally, the Pennsylvania estate administration process proceeds as follows:
Step 1: Gather Legal Documents
Family members, including the designated personal representative, should attempt to locate the will, home deed, vehicle title, and related paperwork. These documents may be held by a local estate lawyer or are in the residence of the decedent.
Step 2: Locate Heirs
The will should set forth the designated heirs, but if there is no will, you must locate the heirs using Pennsylvania intestate (automatic inheritance) laws. Without a will, estates pass to next of kin as follows:
- Spouse and/or children and grandchildren (case specific)
- Parents
- Brothers, sisters, and their children (nieces and nephews)
- Grandparents
- Aunts, uncles, and their children
You can retain an experienced estate lawyer to help you identify and contact legal heirs, interpret the will, or handle multiple conflicting testamentary documents.
Step 3: Probate
Not every estate needs to be probated, but most do. This process involves submitting a petition, including the original will, to your local register of wills, and obtaining appointment as the estate’s personal representative (executor, or, if there is no will, administrator).
Step 4: Administer the Estate
Administering an estate is the process of gathering the deceased’s assets, paying creditors, filing the required tax returns, and distributing the remaining assets according to the will or default inheritance laws. Most cases could heavily benefit help from an experienced PA probate lawyer.
Understanding Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court
Orphan’s Court (called probate or surrogate’s court in other states) handles the paperwork and legal disputes associated with estate administration. The judge can transfer assets into the names of heirs and provide personal representatives with the legal rights necessary to liquidate the estate and pay debts. If complex disputes arise, such as challenges to the will or difficulty locating heirs, always work with an experienced Franklin County Orphans’ Court lawyer.
Benefits of Retaining Legal Counsel to Administer PA Estates
The estate administration process in Pennsylvania involves extensive paperwork, which is difficult for even inexperienced attorneys to understand. The personal representative is also personally liable for certain mistakes, such as paying heirs before creditors, increasing the stress associated with estate administration. Hiring an experienced PA estate administration lawyer to help you through this process is often the best option for overwhelmed and grieving families.
Franklin County, PA Estate Administration Lawyer
Do not take on the estate administration process alone. Get help understanding your rights and probating estates in South Central Pennsylvania from experienced estate administration attorney Alexandra M. Sipe. Call (717) 413-7746 or connect with her probate team online today.
Alexandra M. Sipe takes pride in serving individuals and families across Central Pennsylvania, with a focus on Cumberland, Adams, Perry, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Lancaster, Somerset, Juniata, and Huntingdon Counties. Wherever you’re located, our dedicated legal attorney is here to offer dependable, personalized representation tailored to your community’s needs.