What is the Purpose of a Personal Representative in Pennsylvania?
A personal representative holds a lot of responsibility in the administration of an estate plan. To ensure you understand this position’s role, and to make sure you are choosing the right person, do not wait to reach out to our skilled Pennsylvania estate planning attorneys today. Our dedicated legal team is here for you.
What responsibilities does a personal representative have?
A personal representative carries a strong weight in the performance of an estate plan. Essentially, a representative will be responsible for handling certain matters in the event of an individual’s death. When choosing who to pick, you will want to make sure it is someone who can be trusted and capable, even during a time where they may be grieving your loss. There are many things a personal representative will be held accountable for. Some of the most common responsibilities to complete the closing of an estate include the following:
- First, your personal representative must file your will with the Register of Wills. Even if the will has to go through probate, this should be done in the county where you lived.
- Your personal representative must also file a petition for probate with the Orphans’ Court, if necessary.
- Your personal representative must submit a statement in the local newspaper that advises anyone who has a claim to make against you to do so as soon as possible.
- Additionally, your representative will have to record your beneficiaries, assets, and any other remaining creditors. He or she must also take an inventory including the assets and their appraised values.
- The representative will have to make sure that all outstanding federal, state and estate taxes are filed.
- Your representative will have to divide all assets to beneficiaries named in your will.
- Your personal representative must manage all contested matters of asset distribution amongst heirs.
- Finally, a Certificate of Compliance will need to be filed in order to close your estate.
As a personal representative, you will want to recognize that you will have to open up lines of connections with all those who have a role in closing your estate. Those who will be involved typically include attorneys, trustees, financial planners, accountants, beneficiaries, and creditors. You must choose your representative wisely. To learn more about how our firm can help you with choosing a trustworthy representative, do not wait to reach out. Our firm is here for you each step of the way.
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.
