Experienced Lower Burrell Probate Attorney
Are you looking for probate services in Lower Burrell or the Alle-Kiski Valley region? Look no further than Lower Burrell probate attorney, Chris Harkins, of Harkins Elder Law! Our firm is dedicated to helping families successfully handle the most complex estate administration processes.
Probate is a process to which most people are often introduced to when faced with estate administration responsibilities. Unfortunately, this happens while they’re still grieving the loss of their loved one and would rather worry about things other than paperwork. Additionally, probate laws differ from one state to another, making the process more confusing and hard to keep up with.
What is Probate?
Probate is a process conducted under the supervision of a court to authenticate a decedent’s will and approve the named executor of the will. If there’s no named executor, the probate court appoints an estate administrator to act as the executor based on state law.
And that’s not all. The probate court carries out more duties depending on the requirements of the filed petition. For example, suppose the decedent had no prior will. In that case, the probate court ensures that estates are distributed among the heirs of the decedent according to the state’s laws. The process will also include other responsibilities, such as gathering the estate inventory of the deceased.
An Overview of Probate in Pennsylvania
Probate is a legal process in Pennsylvania that’s done before distributing any assets among the heirs of a decedent. The process includes several steps to be followed, which may take a few months, a year, or sometimes more, depending on the needs of a case. However, it’s not always easy to complete these processes without the help of a probate attorney who is familiar with the laws of the state.
These steps are as follows:
The executor files the will with the Register of Wills in the probate court, also called the orphan’s court, of the county where the decedent lived. If there’s no will or the will is deemed invalid, the probate court will appoint an estate administrator from the family members to perform the duties set forth by intestate law.
The executor files a petition for probate, allowing the orphan’s court to open a probate case. This involves filing the necessary forms for the petition and paying the needed fees.
If the will is authenticated, the court will grant the executor the permission to act on behalf of the estate. The court issues the Letters of Testamentary to an executor or the Letters of Administration to the administrator.
A self-proving will is easier to authenticate because it’s always accompanied by notarized statements signed by the witnesses of the will. In cases where the will has no notarized statements, the executor will need to find the witnesses’ sworn statements to be used by the court for authentication purposes.
After receiving permission from the court, the executor will publish a notice in a local newspaper and the county legal journal to notify the public of the beginning of the estate administration process. The executor will also notify all the beneficiaries of the will about the process. Then, they’ll carry out all the duties of estate administration as required by law.
Why You Need a Lower Burrell Probate Attorney
The probate process explained above may seem easy, but it could pose many challenges, especially for larger estates. Some processes also become more complex in situations such as when families have property disputes or properties co-owned. Hiring a probate attorney is the best way to handle these overwhelming processes.
The benefits of having a probate attorney include:
- Saving the executor the time they spend going through the process amid their own personal duties.
- Handling and minimizing the chances of disputes.
- Reducing the stress on the bereaved family.
- Utilizing the shortest time possible to complete the process.
- Avoiding personal liabilities for actions against the law by the executor.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal help through the probate process when you feel overwhelmed. Get the best assistance from Harkins Elder Law if you live in Lower Burrell and the AK Valley.
You’ll experience the best probate services in the area, allowing you and your family to maintain peace as you grieve without worrying about your inheritance.
Call Harkins Elder Law at (724) 472-8717 or schedule an appointment online today for a consultation!
How Long Does Probate Take?
Technically, an estate cannot be closed until one year after the notice publishing is complete. Practically, most of the work can be done within a few months, depending on the types of assets involved. However, a probate attorney can help to significantly reduce the time taken for the process, regardless of the case’s complexity.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
The probate fees vary depending on the state and the size of the probate estate. It can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Speaking to an experienced elderly law attorney like Chris Harkins is one of the easiest ways to determine exactly how much this process would cost.
