Probate And Trust Administration Attorneys
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, LLC, our experienced probate and trust administration attorneys know how complicated your role is, and our goal is to provide you with the support and expertise you need to ensure a smooth and 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 estates to those with complex and sophisticated assets. 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. Contact us today to learn more about how we can guide you through the probate and trust administration process.
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 existing debts and taxes levied against the estate for payment.
- Inheritance distribution: After settling financial obligations, the estate representative allocates the remaining assets according to the deceased’s will or, in its absence, Pennsylvania state law.
- Finalizing the process: The estate representative submits a final accounting to the court and formally requests the estate’s closure.
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 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, taking care of settling the estate via 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 take care of trust administration. Trusts are typically handled outside of court. We ensure that the assets are correctly distributed to beneficiaries, the 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 acting in bad faith.
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 Estate And Trust Management Guidance
Our firm strives to educate and empower you to make informed decisions that safeguard your family’s legacy. You can rely on us to be your trusted, experienced partner in this journey. To schedule an appointment, please call 412-407-2816 or contact us online.