Tips For Dealing With Pennsylvania’s Probate Court

If you have been named as the executor of an estate, you have specific responsibilities that, more than likely, you have never had to deal with in the past. As the executor, you have a legal responsibility to protect the assets belonging to the deceased or the descendant until the process has run its course.

Reasons You Need A Probate Attorney in Pennsylvania

In most cases, you will be able to get through the probate process without any difficulty if you act in good faith and seek the assistance of legal counsel. For example, you won’t be held liable if the assets associated with the estate drop in value but if the assets are tampered with in any way before the time that probate is completed, you could find yourself in trouble. The following tips will help you to get through the probate process successfully.

Putting Together All The Documents for Probate

Death Certificate – One of the first steps in the probate process is to obtain the proper documents. The funeral home is typically responsible for providing the death certificates so you should ask them how many are required. They deal with this type of situation on a regular basis and will be able to give you a good estimate. They will also be able to let you know how many death certificates will need to include the cause of death, as it will not be necessary in all cases.

Locating the Will or Living Trust

Last Will or Living Trust – If you have been informed that you are in the position of executor, you should obtain either the last will and testament or the trust documents. The will will be necessary to file with the probate court. If a living trust were created, it might not be necessary for you to go through probate, provided the trust was set up properly by an attorney.

Hire An Experienced Probate Attorney

Hire a Professional – Although it may be possible to get through the probate process without the assistance of a lawyer, things can get sticky from time to time. Having a qualified attorney assist you is one of the best tips for dealing with probate that could be provided. Not only are they there to help you file the paperwork and to avoid problems, they can answer your questions and give you peace of mind.

Filing a Petition for Probate

Petition for Probate and Grant of Letters – When you are legally named as the executor, the court system will provide certified documents known as the letters testamentary. These prove that you have the authority to work with the state and act on its behalf, including paying bills, distributing assets and filing tax returns.

Protect Assets – As the executor of the estate, you will need to locate and protect the assets. An attorney can assist you in getting through this successfully.

Pay Bills – All of the bills and taxes will need to be paid while the estate is in probate.

These are the primary things you can do to get through the probate process successfully. One of the other tips for dealing with probate is to not rush the process. Don’t make any hasty decisions and make sure that you consult an attorney when any decisions are made.