Estate Planning in Pennsylvania | PA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How to File a Special Proceeding Notice to Recover Foreclosure Surplus Funds in Pennsylvania

Recovering Surplus Funds from a Pennsylvania Foreclosure Sale: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Short answer: Find out whether a surplus exists, confirm you have a legal claim, gather proof of your interest, file a petition/notice with the court (and the sheriff/prothonotary) in the county where the sale occurred, serve all interested parties, attend the hearing, and obtain a […]

Read article →

Can a consent order be used to skip the court hearing and distribute the sale money by agreement? (PA)

Detailed Answer — Can a consent order be used to skip the court hearing and distribute the sale money by agreement under Pennsylvania law? Short answer: Often yes — parties who own an asset (real estate, personal property, estate assets, etc.) can draft and submit a consent order asking a Pennsylvania court to approve distribution […]

Read article →

What can I do if the personal representative sends me a payment without explaining how they calculated my share of the estate? (PA)

What to do if the personal representative sends a payment without explaining how they calculated your share of the estate Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney. Detailed answer — your rights and practical steps under Pennsylvania law […]

Read article →

How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in Pennsylvania probate?

Detailed Answer — How long does it usually take to admit an out-of-state will in Pennsylvania probate? Short answer: If the out-of-state will is valid where it was signed and uncontested, routine admission in Pennsylvania commonly takes a few weeks to a few months. If there are missing witnesses, contests, or complex assets, the process […]

Read article →

What can I expect as a timeline for an initial insurance offer after we send a demand? (PA)

What timeline can I expect for an initial insurance offer after we send a demand? (Pennsylvania) Short answer: There is no fixed, guaranteed deadline under Pennsylvania law for an insurer to make an initial settlement offer after you send a demand. In routine, straightforward claims you often see an initial written response or offer within […]

Read article →

What Happens if a Will Is Lost or Destroyed in Pennsylvania (PA)?

FAQ: Lost or Destroyed Wills in Pennsylvania — What Happens and What to Do Short answer: If a will is lost or destroyed in Pennsylvania, it may still be admitted to probate, but the circumstances matter. If the testator intentionally destroyed the will, that can amount to a valid revocation. If the will was lost […]

Read article →

What Is "Probate in Common Form" in Pennsylvania (PA)?

FAQ: Is there a “Probate in Common Form” process in Pennsylvania? Short answer: Pennsylvania does not use the North Carolina phrase “probate in common form.” Pennsylvania’s probate process is handled at the county level through the Register of Wills and, when contested, the Orphans’ Court. In everyday practice Pennsylvania distinguishes between routine admissions of wills […]

Read article →

How can a personal representative confirm that a probate proceeding has concluded and a trust has been properly funded? (PA)

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For legal advice about a specific estate, contact a licensed Pennsylvania attorney. Detailed answer — How a Pennsylvania personal representative confirms probate is closed and a trust is funded Below is a clear, step-by-step guide a personal representative (executor or administrator) in […]

Read article →

Which financial powers can be granted through a power of attorney during incarceration? (PA)

Detailed Answer Short answer: In Pennsylvania, a person who is incarcerated may grant another person a financial power of attorney (POA) that covers many standard money and property tasks — paying bills, managing bank accounts, collecting benefits, handling investments, running a business, and selling or managing real estate — provided the POA document uses clear […]

Read article →

What formal requirements ensure a power of attorney executed in prison is legally valid in Pennsylvania (PA)?

Quick answer Detailed answer — Formal requirements for a Pennsylvania power of attorney executed while incarcerated When a person (the principal) in a Pennsylvania correctional facility wants to sign a power of attorney (POA), several formal requirements must be met to make that document legally valid and useful to third parties (banks, title companies, healthcare […]

Read article →