How to Determine if a Probate Estate Has Been Opened for a Decedent in Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Pennsylvania probate law. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, probate proceedings (often called decedent’s estates) open in the Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent resided at […]
Read article →What Information Is Needed to Request Estate Files from a County Probate Division in PA?
Detailed Answer When you request estate files from the Orphans’ Court Division (county probate division) in Pennsylvania, you must provide specific information to locate and obtain the records. Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.), court records are generally public. Estate files reside in the Register of Wills or Prothonotary office of […]
Read article →How to Obtain and Use a Court-Ordered Subpoena to Gather Estate Records in Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, parties in an estate or probate proceeding may use a court-ordered subpoena to gather relevant records—such as bank statements, deeds, or business files—from third parties or institutions. The […]
Read article →What Authorization Forms Must an Heir Sign to Direct Distribution of Real Property Sale Proceeds in Pennsylvania?
Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, when a decedent’s real property is sold by the personal representative (PR) or under a summary transfer, heirs often must sign specific authorization forms to clear title and direct the distribution of sale proceeds. The exact forms depend on whether the estate qualifies for summary administration or requires full probate under […]
Read article →How Can a Former Spouse or Survivor Assert Entitlement to Surplus Funds Following the Owner’s Death or Divorce?
How Can a Former Spouse or Survivor Assert Entitlement to Surplus Funds Following the Owner’s Death or Divorce? Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, “surplus funds” are the net proceeds remaining after a sheriff’s sale or judicial sale of real property once all liens, judgments, legal costs and taxes have been paid. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8109, […]
Read article →How to Distinguish a Deceased Person’s Estate Assets from Corporate Assets in Pennsylvania
How to Distinguish a Deceased Person’s Estate Assets from Corporate Assets in Pennsylvania When someone dies, their personal property and real estate form part of their estate. A corporation, by contrast, holds its own assets under its corporate name. Identifying which assets belong to the decedent’s estate and which belong to a relative’s corporation helps […]
Read article →What options exist for selling or auctioning personal property to reimburse estate expenses and equalize distributions among heirs?
Options for Selling or Auctioning Personal Property to Reimburse Estate Expenses and Equalize Distributions Among Heirs in Pennsylvania Detailed Answer When settling an estate in Pennsylvania, executors or administrators often must convert personal property into cash to pay debts, administrative costs, and to ensure fair distributions among heirs. The Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes provide clear procedures […]
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