We Represent Personal Administrators
If you have been named the executor or personal administrator of another person’s estate, you have been given an important responsibility. You can also incur significant personal liability. For example, if you fail to pay taxes or creditors before distributing the estate, you could be personally responsible for those debts.
There is no need to handle these matters by yourself. At Ross, Quinn & Ploppert, our lawyers have the experience required to help you navigate the Pennsylvania probate process efficiently and effectively, while keeping our eyes on the goal of seeing that your loved one’s final wishes are carried out as planned. We represent personal administrators throughout the Tri-County area of Pennsylvania and neighboring communities.
When Is Probate Required in Pennsylvania?
Probate is generally required whenever a person dies in Pennsylvania while owning significant assets. A simplified form of probate is available when the deceased person owned less than $25,000 in assets.
Probate is not necessary for the certain assets, such as the following:
- Assets held in a trust
- Assets distributed by beneficiary designation such as life insurance benefits and investment accounts
- Real estate held in joint tenancy with a right of survivorship
Our lawyers can review your loved one’s assets and determine when the probate process is required.
What Is Expected of Me as a Personal Administrator?
As a personal administrator or executor, you have fiduciary responsibility toward the estate and the beneficiaries of the estate. You may be held personally responsible if you fail to properly handle the estate or pay debts and taxes. To protect your interests, you should hire an experienced lawyer to help you through the process.
Legal fees are paid by the estate. You are also entitled to reasonable compensation for the work you perform as personal administrator.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania probate process.
Learn more about tax consequences of administering an estate.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Will and Estate Executor Lawyers
Our attorneys are ready to help you get positive results. Contact us to discuss your case with our Pottstown lawyers representing personal estate administrators. We serve Montgomery County PA, Chester County, Berks County, Philadelphia County, Lancaster County and all surrounding counties in Pennsylvania.