Probate in Pennsylvania | PA Legal Resources | FastCounsel

May I Petition a Court to Remove an Estate Administrator Who Refuses to Fulfill Their Duties? (PA)

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, if an estate administrator (also called a personal representative) refuses to perform required duties—such as collecting assets, filing inventories, paying debts, or distributing inheritances—an interested party may petition the Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common […]

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How to Request an Extension for Filing a Final Accounting in Pennsylvania Probate

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Overview of Pennsylvania’s Final Accounting Deadline Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3122, a personal representative must file a final accounting within nine months after the grant of letters testamentary or of administration. The accounting reports all estate receipts and […]

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How do I apply for letters of administration and what AOC forms are required in Pennsylvania?

Applying for Letters of Administration in Pennsylvania: Steps and Required Forms Detailed Answer When someone dies without a valid will in Pennsylvania, the court appoints an administrator to settle the estate. You must apply for Letters of Administration through the county Orphans’ Court. The process and required forms stem from the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries […]

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How do I distribute wrongful death proceeds to rightful heirs in Pennsylvania?

How to Distribute Wrongful Death Proceeds to Heirs in Pennsylvania Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. 1. Detailed Answer Under Pennsylvania law, wrongful death claims must follow the framework set out in 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 8301–8305. The […]

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How to obtain and review documentation of a Medicaid claim against an inherited estate in Pennsylvania

Understanding Medicaid Estate Claims in Pennsylvania Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer 1. Overview of Pennsylvania Medicaid Estate Recovery Pennsylvania participates in the federal Medicaid Estate Recovery Program under 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(b). The state implements recovery through the Department of Human Services (DHS) as […]

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How to Obtain and Review Corporate Formation Documents and Bylaws Affecting a Decedent’s Business Interest in Pennsylvania

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To protect your rights, consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania. Detailed Answer When a person dies owning shares or membership interests in a Pennsylvania corporation, LLC or other business entity, the decedent’s personal representative (executor or administrator) must locate and review […]

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What Is the Process for Petitioning a Court to Remove a Personal Representative for Mishandling Estate Assets in Pennsylvania?

Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, a personal representative (executor or administrator) has a fiduciary duty to manage estate assets responsibly. If you suspect mishandling, you can petition the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where probate is pending to remove the personal representative. This process follows the Pennsylvania Fiduciaries Act […]

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How can an interested party open probate for a decedent’s estate in Pennsylvania?

How an Interested Party Can Open Probate for a Decedent’s Estate in Pennsylvania Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, any person with a legal interest in a decedent’s estate—such as an heir, beneficiary, or […]

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What Information and Documents Should Be Gathered Before the Decedent’s Passing to Streamline Probate in PA?

Preparing for Probate: Key Documents and Information to Collect Before Death Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Why Early Preparation Matters for Pennsylvania Probate Probate in Pennsylvania can take several months. Gathering essential documents and information […]

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What information and duties is a personal representative required to provide to heirs under Pennsylvania law

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a personal representative (also known as executor or administrator) is appointed in Pennsylvania, they have specific obligations to heirs and other interested parties. These duties ensure transparency and proper estate administration under Pennsylvania law. 1. Notification of Appointment […]

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