What steps do I need to follow as executor to sell real property to pay estate debts? (PA)
How an executor (personal representative) sells real property to pay estate debts in Pennsylvania Quick overview: As the executor (called a personal representative in Pennsylvania), you must confirm your authority, inventory the estate, determine creditor claims, and either use authority in the will or get court permission to sell real property so creditors can be […]
Read article →Can heirs of a deceased sibling be included in a partition action in Pennsylvania (PA)?
Including Heirs of a Deceased Sibling in a Pennsylvania Partition Action — FAQ Detailed answer — can heirs be included, and how? Yes. In Pennsylvania, if your co-owner (a sibling) died owning an interest in property, that deceased sibling’s ownership interest does not disappear. The interest passes to whoever inherits under the decedent’s will or, […]
Read article →What Happens to a Safe Deposit Box After Someone Dies in PA?
Detailed Answer: What happens to a safe deposit box after someone dies in Pennsylvania? When a Pennsylvania resident who rented a safe deposit box dies, the bank typically locks the box and will not permit normal access until the legal ownership or authority to access the box is established. How the contents are handled depends […]
Read article →When Can an Executor Be Removed in Pennsylvania (PA)?
When Can an Executor Be Removed in Pennsylvania? Detailed Answer — How and when a personal representative (executor) may be removed under Pennsylvania law This section explains, in plain language, when a Pennsylvania court can remove an executor (called a personal representative). Pennsylvania handles estate and fiduciary matters through the Court of Common Pleas (Orphans' […]
Read article →How can I close an estate bank account and obtain the required closing statement in PA?
Detailed answer: How to close an estate bank account and get the required closing statement in Pennsylvania This guide explains, in plain language, what an estate bank account is, what steps an executor (personal representative) or administrator must take to close that account in Pennsylvania, and how to get the closing statement or final accounting […]
Read article →Is probate administration required when there is no will in Pennsylvania (PA)?
Do you need probate administration when someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania? Detailed answer — what Pennsylvania law requires Short answer: Usually yes for many assets. When a person dies without a will (intestate) in Pennsylvania, the estate often must go through probate administration so a court-appointed administrator can collect assets, pay debts and […]
Read article →How to properly document and file receipts for payments to heirs or service providers in an estate — PA
How to properly document and file receipts for payments to heirs or service providers in an estate (PA) Summary / Quick answer When administering an estate in Pennsylvania, keep clear, contemporaneous records for every payment the estate makes. For payments to heirs, obtain signed receipts and releases. For payments to vendors or service providers, keep […]
Read article →How can next of kin qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator? — PA
How a Next of Kin Can Qualify to Be Appointed as the Estate Administrator in Pennsylvania This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, what a next of kin needs to do to be appointed as the administrator (personal representative) of a deceased person's estate under Pennsylvania law. This is general information only and not legal […]
Read article →What documents are required to apply for probate appointment and oath in Pennsylvania (PA)?
Detailed answer: Applying for probate appointment and taking the oath in Pennsylvania This FAQ-style guide explains the common documents and steps needed when someone applies for a probate appointment (letters of administration or letters testamentary) and takes the fiduciary oath in Pennsylvania. This is a general guide only — rules and required forms can vary […]
Read article →Which statements and financial documents are required for annual and final probate accountings in Pennsylvania (PA)?
Annual and Final Probate Accountings in Pennsylvania: What Statements and Financial Documents You Need Short answer: For both annual and final accountings in Pennsylvania, a fiduciary generally must prepare a clear, itemized accounting that shows all receipts, disbursements, assets on hand, distributions, and supporting documents (bank statements, cancelled checks or paid invoices, appraisals, tax returns, […]
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