Are you dealing with estate administration after the death of a loved one in Abington, Pennsylvania? Probate comes with strict legal requirements and tight deadlines, and trying to manage it all during an already painful time can feel like too much to handle. ThePeoplesLawFirm.com can take that burden off your shoulders and make sure everything is done right.
Our Abington estate administration lawyers have 26 years of experience and are led by Attorney Michaelangelo Dippolito, one of the most well-regarded legal professionals in this area of the law. With him and the rest of our legal team on your side, you’ll be able to move forward with peace of mind throughout the process.
Contact our law offices today at (484) 779-9282 to schedule a free consultation, at which time you can receive some initial legal guidance about your case.
Why Choose Us at ThePeoplesLawFirm?
Estate administration is a process that demands precision; a single misstep can create real problems both for yourself as well as for the people you’re trying to help. Hiring ThePeoplesLawFirm.com is one of the best decisions you can make in these circumstances, considering our longstanding track record of helping families in Montgomery County and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
We’ll be able to help you by:
- Filing all required documents with the Register of Wills
- Identifying, securing, and appraising estate assets
- Managing creditor claims and paying debts in the correct order
- Preparing and filing the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return
- Overseeing final distributions to beneficiaries or heirs
Reach out to our estate administration attorneys in Abington, PA, today to learn more and get started with a free consultation.
What Are the Differences Between a Will and a Trust?
A will is a legal document that spells out how your assets should be distributed after your death. It goes through probate and becomes part of the public record. The will is also where you name an executor and, if applicable, a guardian for any minor children.
A trust, on the other hand, can take effect while you’re still alive. A revocable living trust, for example, allows you to transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime and name a trustee to manage them. One of the biggest advantages of a trust is that assets held in it generally do not go through probate, which can save time and keep things private. Trusts can also provide a plan for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated, something a will cannot do.
Both tools serve important roles, and in many cases it makes sense to have both. Our lawyers can help you understand which combination best fits your family’s needs.
Who Is Responsible for Estate Administration After a Death?
If the deceased left a will, it typically names an executor to manage the estate. If no will exists, the Register of Wills in Montgomery County will appoint an administrator, usually a close family member. Either way, the personal representative must:
- Gather and protect all estate assets
- Notify creditors and settle valid debts
- File the inheritance tax return within nine months of the date of death
- Distribute remaining assets per the will or Pennsylvania intestacy laws
- File a final accounting to close the estate
This process generally takes nine to 18 months. An experienced attorney with our law firm can help ensure you meet every obligation and avoid personal liability along the way.
Call an Abington, PA Estate Administration Lawyer Today
If you need help navigating the estate administration process in Abington, Pennsylvania, ThePeoplesLawFirm.com is here to guide you through it. Our Abington estate administration attorneys have 26 years of experience and are ready to start working on your case as soon as you are.
Call us today at (484) 779-9282 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. We can answer any questions you might have when we meet.
