Probate Lawyer – Pennsylvania Probate Process and Procedures

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Probate is a legal process for settling an
estate. Its crucial to understand how it works
if you're the executor of a Will or if you're
related to someone who has passed away without a
Will. An estate planning attorney can help you
understand the basics of probate and help you
create a plan that takes into account your needs
and those of your loved ones.
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The Purpose
The goal of probate is to manage the assets of
the deceased, collect any final debts, settle any
due taxes, and then distribute the remaining
property to beneficiaries or heirs according to
the decedent's Will or by the laws of intestacy
when there is no Will.
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How Long Would It Take to Complete the Probate
Process?
Some estates can be settled in just a few months,
but if there is no Will, the estate will likely
take more than a year to resolve. If you don't
have any prior experience with probate, getting a
lawyer to help you is essential.
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Steps Involved in the Probate Process
? Validating the Will ? Estate Administration ?
Final Accounting and Asset Distribution
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Validating the Will
? The executor must take the Will, a certified
copy of the death certificate, and a
petition for Letters Testamentary to the Register
of Wills in the county where the decedent
resided. ? The Letters Testamentary are issued
if the Will is valid and a fee is paid. ?
Letters of Administration will be issued to the
administrator if there is no Will. ? Letters of
Administration enable the administrator to gather
assets and act on behalf of the estate.
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Estate Administration
? The personal representative or executor
identifies, locates, and collects all of the
estate's assets. ? Legal notice of the
commencement of probate is published in at least
one local newspaper and one legal reporter or
general circulation newspaper. ? The Register of
Wills must also receive a certification of these
notices.
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? Once the estate assets are inventoried, the
administrator or executor pays all debts and
taxes. ? If the personal representative needs to
sell estate property, he or she must file regular
status reports with the Register of Wills. ? If
inheritance taxes are paid within three months
after the death of the decedent, a discount of 5
is offered.
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Final Accounting and Asset Distribution
? A final accounting of the estate administration
is presented, and any remaining assets are
distributed to heirs or beneficiaries after all
claims are paid. ? If there are any
discrepancies in the accounting, a formal
accounting to the court may be required. ? Hire
a skilled probate attorney to assist you with the
estate administration process and will or any
legal or family issues that may arise.
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Need assistance with the probate process? Check
https//pa4law.com/what-is-the-probate-process-in-
pennsylvania/ now.
Call 610-444-0933 for more.