A Pennsylvania probate attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the area of probate law in the state of Pennsylvania. Probate refers to the legal process that occurs after a person passes away, which involves settling their estate and distributing their assets to the intended beneficiaries or heirs.
Some primary responsibilities and tasks a Pennsylvania probate attorney may handle include probate administration, will contests and disputes, estate litigation and trust administration.
Probate Administration: When a person dies, their estate typically goes through the probate process. The attorney can guide the executor or personal representative through the entire probate process, including filing the necessary probate documents with the Courts, handling legal notices and notifications, gathering and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Will Contests and Disputes: In situations where there are disagreements or disputes over the validity of a will, interpretation of its provisions, or concerns about undue influence or lack of capacity, a probate attorney can represent interested parties and litigate the matter in court.
Estate Litigation: Probate attorneys can handle various types of estate-related disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, contested guardianships, challenges to beneficiary designations, and other contentious matters that may arise during the administration of an estate.
Trust Administration: If a deceased person had established a trust, a probate attorney can guide the trustee in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, including managing trust assets, making distributions, and ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania trust laws.
Probate attorneys may also handle estate planning, inheritance tax planning and asset protection but it’s important to note that the specific duties and services provided by a probate attorney may vary depending on the individual attorney’s expertise, experience, and the needs of the client. Call our office today to set up a consultation to help answer any specific questions you may have regarding this topic.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this article, or any estate planning matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company 724-832-2499.