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Curran Estate & Elder Law, PLLC
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Pennsylvania Probate and Estate Administration

How does probate work?

Estate administration is the process of managing the distribution of a deceased person's assets and property according to their will or state laws.  Trust administration, similarly, is the process of carrying out the terms of the trust and distributing property to beneficiaries or to additional trusts for their benefit.  Both estate and trust administration can be complex and time-consuming, which is why many people choose to work with a trusts and estates attorney to help them navigate the legal, logistical and tax aspects of this process.

What should I know about the Pennsylvania probate process?

In Pennsylvania, the estate administration process begins with the appointment of an estate administrator, or executor. This person has many responsibilities including not only the management of the deceased person's assets, debts and taxes, but also many statutorily required steps and procedures.

One of the first tasks of the estate administrator is to gather and inventory the deceased person's assets. This includes real estate, personal property, financial accounts, and any other assets the person owned. The administrator may need to obtain appraisals to determine the value of certain assets, such as real estate or collectibles.  Bank accounts in the decedent’s name must be closed and moved to an estate account, for which an EIN must be obtained.

Once the assets have been identified, the administrator must pay any outstanding debts and taxes, and keep careful records throughout the process. The administrator may also be responsible for filing the deceased person's final tax return and paying any taxes owed.

In addition to those steps, there are other statutory requirements that must be followed in order to properly administer the estate. These requirements include giving notice—with specific information outlined in Pennsylvania law—and filing certification thereof with the court, using county-specific forms, to beneficiaries; placing an advertisement of the estate in two different newspapers, and ensuring no debt is owed to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Finally, an inheritance tax return may need to be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue if the decedent's estate is subject to inheritance tax. The return must be filed within nine months of the decedent's death, and it must include information about the assets of the estate and the beneficiaries who will be receiving them.  A discount may be obtained if filed within three months of the date of death.

Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the administrator can begin the process of distributing the remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries. If the deceased person had a will, the executor will follow the instructions in the will to distribute the assets. If there is no will, the assets will be distributed according to Pennsylvania's laws of intestacy, which outline how property should be divided among family members in the absence of a will.  Releases should be obtained by the administrator so as to protect him/her from any potential liabilities that may arise.

It is important to note that these are just a few of the processes for administering an estate in Pennsylvania. There may be other requirements that need to be followed, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If you have questions about the requirements for administering an estate in Pennsylvania, you should consult with an attorney who is experienced in probate law.

It’s okay to ask for help.

Overall, estate administration is a complex and often emotional process. Working with an experienced estate administration attorney can help individuals ensure that the process is handled efficiently and smoothly, and that the deceased person's assets are distributed according to their wishes.

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Client Success Stories

The staff is always extremely pleasant and helpful. Rose Kennedy does a fabulous job of taking the time to explain everything, more than once if need be, and willing to answer any questions.
Lisa Care
Lisa Care
September 1, 2023.
They were very kind and helpful to my brother and me. They took the time to review our situation and offered us options. Highly recommend their services!!! Thanks. 😎
Kurt Manderbach
Kurt Manderbach
September 1, 2023.
This lawfirm is excellent. They are so knowledgeable and experienced in estate planning. Sarah at the front desk is responsive, welcoming and helpful. Rose Kennedy is a top notch attorney with a strong attention to detail, very knowledgeable in her field, great at presenting information in an easy to understand manner and very compassionate. We highly recommend Curran.
Leo and Lily
Leo and Lily
August 22, 2023.
When my father passed away in March 2022, I had never lost an immediate family member, and I was unprepared for the deluge of paperwork that followed. I also was not prepared for the way that grief would make simple things extra difficult. Luckily, my dad had set up a trust with Sean Curran’s guidance in 2016. It not only protected his assets, but it allowed us to work with Rose Kennedy and Angela Young for the estate administration. I truly do not know what we would have done without the kindness and guidance of Rose and Angela. I will never forget talking with Rose from the bathroom of my dad’s hospice room. It was far past office hours, but she was calmly determined to help me understand what steps I needed to take next. She even texted me after the call with detailed instructions in case I was unable to remember because of my emotional state. My gratitude for her compassion and patience continued to grow throughout the following year as she and Angela continuously went above and beyond to help us with every challenge that arose as we sold our dad’s house, filed inheritance taxes, and encountered numerous other tasks that I never could have figured out without their step-by-step guidance. I will always have a special place in my heart for the calmness that Rose and Angela brought me throughout the overwhelming and emotional process of losing a parent. Every person I’ve encountered at Curran Estate and Elder Law has been professional, helpful, and kind. I can’t imagine going through this process without their support and wisdom. Thank you!
Cindi Delinsky
Cindi Delinsky
July 29, 2023.
Curran Estate & Elder Law handled my fathers estate for me. They were incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions. I did very little, everything was completed by them. I would strongly suggest if your looking for an Attorney to handle your parents affairs, give Curran Estate & Elder Law a call!
KIM STRICKER
KIM STRICKER
July 26, 2023.
I would highly recommend Curran Estate Elder Care. They guided and helped with our estate planning, protection of assets, writing of our wills, power of attorney documentation and also care management for my spouse. They offer a great support system. Great people to work with.
Lil Myers
Lil Myers
July 20, 2023.
They are very efficient at helping their clients get the best and affordable help for families that need help. I would recommend them all around, especially for the elderly that cannot help themselves. they help me get poa of my mom when no one else would help. Hospital would say that she is not capable of having a POA at the time on hospice. Well, they wrong because my mother understood and signed forms thank you so very much Joyce and Tiffani
Tiffani Grendell
Tiffani Grendell
July 18, 2023.
Quite simply the best Elder Law in Berks. Professional, ethical and kind from start to finish. We had gotten our Will's and PoA's done with Curran a couple years ago, then when my father's health took a down turn, they were the obvious choice for managing the transition of his care, and then eventually with handling the administration of his will , probate and the dozens of other details that no one tells you about. I couldn't imagine having to do all of that on my own. Big thanks to the Rose, Susan, Angela and the whole team at Curran.
Adam Wentling
Adam Wentling
July 18, 2023.
As executor of estate, Curran has guided me step-by-step through the process in a professional and efficient manner. Their approach is friendly as they have patiently answered all my questions with clear explanations which make my duties simple and easy to carry out.
David & Alison Zezenski
David & Alison Zezenski
June 16, 2023.
My mother and I met with Rose Kennedy at Curran Estate & Elder Law, PLLC. Rose and her team were wonderful! Sarah greeted us promptly and escorted us to the conference room. She was very gracious. Rose demonstrated compassion, kindness, and understanding. She explained the documents clearly and answered all our questions. I highly recommend Rose and the team who responded quickly. They acted with professionalism and compassion. They have a heart. I had contacted other estate and elder firms in Berks County, and they did not even respond. Call Curran they will respond and help you.
Diana Vavreck
Diana Vavreck
May 25, 2023.
Curran Estate & Elder Law, PLLC

1212 Liggett Ave.
Reading, PA 19611

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