Pennsylvania Estate Administration LawyersFacing the complex process of probate and estate administration can be overwhelming. There are many important deadlines, petitions, and filings that must be dealt with in a timely fashion. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, this process can often be difficult without the assistance of an experienced probate lawyer. At the law office of May, Metzger & Zimmerman, LLP Link to Home Page, we have been serving clients since 1929 and work diligently to settle estates in an efficient and cost effective manner. Through our experience as estate administration attorneys, we have learned the importance of being proactive in the process in order to save our clients time and money. We have provided the following information as an overview of probate and estate administration. For more information, or for experienced legal assistance, contact our probate attorneys. Probate and Estate Administration - An OverviewEstate administration refers to the process of probating the estate of a decedent, which generally includes collecting, inventorying and appraising assets; paying and collecting debts; filing and paying estate taxes; and distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries. An attorney experienced in probate and estate administration can help simplify this complicated process. If you need help in the administration of an estate, call an attorney in your area today. The Probate ProcessProbate is the court process used to determine the validity of a will and oversee the payment of creditors and distribution of estate assets. Even if there is no valid will at the time of death, the estate will still go through the probate procedure. Since probate is regulated by state laws, there are specific procedures proscribed by each state for carrying out the process. Role of the ExecutorAn executor is the person named by the creator of the will (the testator) to carry out the terms and provisions of his or her will. In addition to locating documents left by the testator (i.e., wills, trusts, deeds, etc.) and notifying Social Security, pension providers, annuity providers, and other entities of the death, the executor has numerous other legal responsibilities. Avoiding ProbateAssets disposed of outside the probate process are part of the non-probate estate. Since a probate proceeding is not required, these assets are distributed more quickly to the appropriate beneficiaries. Many people seek out these assets and ownership models in order to save their loved ones from the difficulties associated with going through the probate courts. Will ContestsThe fact that a person (the decedent) leaves a will does not guarantee that the decedent's property will be distributed according to the will's terms. A court generally must provide an opportunity to allow others to object to the will, and a challenge may be brought by anyone with an interest in the will who believes the document is invalid in some way. A will contest is an action challenging the validity of the will and is commonly governed by state statutes.
May, Metzger & Zimmerman, LLP Credit Cards Accepted Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, York, West Chester, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Manheim, New Holland, Hershey, Willow Street, Conestoga, Lebanon, Mount Joy, Columbia, York, Harrisburg, West Hanover, Derry, Bethlehem, Butler, Erie, and Allegheny. Lancaster County • Chester County • Montgomery County • York County |
49 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-299-1181 | Fax: 717-299-5045 | Email
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