Managing an estate or trust is a major responsibility. The process of probate and estate administration can be lengthy and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right legal guidance, you can approach these challenges with confidence.
At McMorrow Law, our experienced probate and trust administration attorneys understand how complex your role is, and we aim to provide you with the support and expertise you need to ensure a smooth, successful process. Our attorneys’ fees are paid out of the estate, so you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of seeking legal help.
Our Pittsburgh-based team manages estates of all types, from straightforward to complex and sophisticated. If disputes arise, we will help you find a resolution or take the matter to court. Additionally, we can assist in creating guardianships for incapacitated adults, protecting them from undue influence or fraud, and supporting them in making critical medical decisions and managing their finances.
By partnering with us, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Table of Contents
- The Probate Process In Pennsylvania
- Probate, Administration And Litigation
- Will Contests
- Contact Us For Trustworthy Probate Representation
The Probate Process in Pennsylvania
Understanding the probate process in Pennsylvania is essential for anyone tasked with administering an estate. Below is a brief outline of the steps involved:
- Initiating probate: The journey begins with a formal petition to the court to open probate.
- Establishing authority: The court designates an individual to manage the estate – either the executor named in the will or an administrator if no will exists.
- Asset compilation: This appointed representative meticulously catalogs all the deceased’s possessions and submits this inventory to the court.
- Notifying interested parties: The estate representative formally notifies creditors and heirs about the estate, enabling them to submit claims or assert their rights.
- Settling financial obligations: Before any distributions, the estate representative prioritizes paying existing debts and taxes levied against the estate.
- Inheritance distribution: After settling financial obligations, the estate representative allocates the remaining assets in accordance with the deceased’s will or, in its absence, Pennsylvania law.
- Finalizing the process: The estate representative submits a final accounting to the court and formally requests closure of the estate.
While this process may seem straightforward, complexities can arise at any stage, making it crucial to have the help of skilled legal representatives.
Probate, Administration and Litigation
During probate, a will is proven, and an estate is administered. If the decedent died intestate or without a will, the purpose of probate is to ensure that the estate is distributed according to Pennsylvania’s laws.
The probate process includes rules to protect heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. We represent executors and handle estate settlements through the court. We handle all of the requirements, including advertising in newspapers, filing petitions, providing an accounting to the court, paying the estate’s bills, and filing the estate’s tax returns.
We can also handle trust administration. Trusts are typically handled outside of court. We ensure that assets are distributed to beneficiaries, bills are paid, and documents are filed. We also prepare Pennsylvania inheritance tax returns.
Will Contests
In addition to probate and trust administration, the firm provides Orphans’ Court litigation.
If you are involved in an estate, trust, or will contest, we will petition the court for an accounting of the estate. These types of disputes typically occur when a family member, caregiver, financial advisor, personal representative, or trustee acts in bad faith, or is suspected of doing so.
We can help you determine whether there have been issues such as:
- Undue influence on the decedent by fraud, deception, or coercion
- Lack of testamentary capacity
- Last-minute additions to wills
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Mismanagement or misappropriation of assets
We can also defend those accused of acting in bad faith or breaching fiduciary duty.
Contact Us for Trustworthy Probate Representation
Our firm strives to educate and empower you to make informed decisions that safeguard your family’s legacy. You can rely on us as your trusted, experienced partner on this probate journey. To schedule an appointment, please call 724-940-0100 or contact us online.
Our probate attorneys serve clients in the Pittsburgh Metro, including the communities of Wexford, Beaver, Cranberry Township, McCandless, Hampton Township, Ross Township, and the counties of Allegheny, Butler, and Armstrong. Brooke McMorrow is also licensed to practice in New York.