How Does Probate Work in Pennsylvania? | What to Know
To learn more about probate in Pennsylvania, do not wait to reach out to our experienced Butler County probate attorneys. Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring you have the support you need during this time.
What is probate in Pennsylvania?
When someone passes away, a legal process, known as probate will occur. The decedent’s will is first submitted to the Register of Wills/Orphans’ Court in order for the heirs of that individual to legally receive their inheritance under the terms of the will.
To learn more about probate, continue reading and reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our skilled and dedicated Butler County probate attorneys today.
What should I expect during the probate process?
When going through the probate process, as a client, you will meet with one of our attorneys to discuss the process of administering the estate. Our legal team will also discuss with you what assets your loved one owes and which forms you will need to file with the court.
There must be an appointed executor if there is a will present. If there is no will, an administrator of the estate will need to be selected. Despite either condition, the administrator or executor will be required to go to the courthouse and appear before the Register of Wills to be sworn in. This step will provide the executor authority to handle the assets and distribute them while obliging by the terms of the will. In the event that there is no will, the laws of intestacy will apply.
How long does the process of probate take?
On average, the probate process will take about a year and a half from the date of a loved one’s death to be complete in Pennsylvania. However, in circumstances where there are more complex issues involved in the estate or unique family dynamics, this process can take even longer. The assets will be identified and reported on the inheritance tax return which will be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. The estate will also be announced in the local paper to allow creditors of the state to ensure that there are no unpaid bills or debt.
After the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue reviews and accepts the inheritance tax return, which can take between 6 and 9 months, our legal team will work with the executor or administrator to close out the estate and ensure that the heirs obtain their appropriate inheritance. Contact our firm today to get started with our dedicated legal team.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Whether you are dealing with matters involving estate planning, estate administration, or elder law, you need a legal team that you can feel confident will represent your best interests, every step of the way. We are that legal team. Contact Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning today so we can get started.
