If you recently lost a family member in Malvern, Pennsylvania, you may be unsure of how to begin the probate process and what steps you’re legally required to take.
The Malvern probate attorneys at ThePeoplesLawFirm.com have over 20 years of experience helping families navigate these important responsibilities with clarity and confidence, and now we’re ready to help you next.
Our Pennsylvania probate lawyers can guide you throughout the entire legal process, from the first filing to the final distribution of assets. Call (484) 947-1663 or get in touch with us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
When Is Probate Necessary?
Probate is the legal framework used to settle someone’s estate after they pass away. In Pennsylvania, probate is generally required whenever a person dies owning assets in their name alone, such as a house, bank account, vehicle, and other property not jointly titled or placed in a trust.
Small estates sometimes may require some level of probate to transfer ownership as well. Full probate is typically needed when, for instance:
- There is a will that must be validated
- The estate includes real estate
- Assets are not jointly owned and/or do not have named beneficiaries
- There are outstanding debts, taxes, and potential disputes
If you are unsure whether your loved one’s estate requires probate, a free consultation with one of our trusted probate attorneys in Malvern can help you understand which procedures apply.
How Can a Probate Attorney Help With the Probate Process?
Probate involves court filings, deadlines, and financial responsibilities that can quickly become overwhelming if you aren’t experienced with the legal system. A Malvern probate lawyer with our legal team can make the process easier by handling the legal and administrative tasks on your behalf.
Our experienced attorneys can:
- Help you open the estate with the Register of Wills
- Guide you through your responsibilities as executor or administrator
- Prepare and file required notices, inventories, and tax documents
- Communicate with creditors and resolve outstanding claims
- Ensure assets are properly identified, valued, and distributed
- Prevent avoidable delays and respond to conflicts if they arise
Having professional guidance can reduce your stress and protect you from mistakes that may create financial and legal issues later on.
How Long Does Probate Normally Take in Pennsylvania?
The length of the probate process depends on factors like the size of the estate, the complexity of the assets, and whether disputes arise. Straightforward estates in Pennsylvania often take roughly nine months to a year (sometimes shorter), although more complex cases may take longer.
Common factors that affect the timeline include:
- Contested wills
- Multiple beneficiaries
- Difficult-to-value assets
- Tax filings that require additional review
- Creditor claims and unresolved debts
Your attorney can help keep the proceedings organized and on schedule, which often shortens the overall timeline as well.
How Does the Probate Process Resolve?
Probate administration concludes when all required steps have been completed and the estate is ready for final distribution. This usually involves:
- Validating the will
- Gathering and valuing assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and administrative expenses
- Preparing a final accounting
- Distributing the remaining property to heirs
Once the court approves the final accounting, the estate can be closed, and the executor is released from further duties. With legal assistance, the process is generally more predictable and significantly less cumbersome.
Contact a Probate Attorney in Malvern
Handling an estate can feel like a daunting task, but you don’t have to figure it out without a respected lawyer on your side from start to finish.
ThePeoplesLawFirm.com has spent more than 20 years helping families throughout Chester County complete probate efficiently and correctly. We’re confident that we can walk you through every step of what’s to come with effective legal services and personalized support.
Contact us online today or call (484) 947-1663 to schedule a free consultation with a Malvern probate lawyer. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
