How does the diminished value process work if I do not own my car? (PA)
Detailed Answer — How diminished value claims work when you do not own the car (Pennsylvania) Quick definition: "Diminished value" is the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it is damaged in a crash, even after repairs. If you do not own the car that was damaged, your ability to recover diminished value depends […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (PA)
Serving as a personal representative for a sibling’s estate in Pennsylvania Disclaimer This is educational information, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or the county Register of Wills. Detailed answer — how appointment works and whether a sister can serve Short answer: Yes — a sister can […]
Read article →Do Wrongful Death Proceeds Pass Under a Decedent's Will in Pennsylvania (PA)?
FAQ: Do wrongful death proceeds pass under the decedent's Last Will and Testament in Pennsylvania? Short answer No — in Pennsylvania wrongful death proceeds generally do not pass under the decedent’s will. Pennsylvania law sets out specific beneficiaries who receive wrongful death recoveries (typically the surviving spouse and children). A separate survival action (for the […]
Read article →How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate? (PA)
Detailed Answer — How appointment works in Pennsylvania If a relative dies, Pennsylvania courts appoint a personal representative (called an "executor" when named in a will, or an "administrator" when there is no will) to gather assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate. The process begins at the Register of Wills (or Orphans' Court in […]
Read article →How to Probate an Unwitnessed, Unnotarized Will in Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, notarization is optional for wills. However, a valid formal will generally requires two witnesses. If you have a will that was neither witnessed nor notarized, […]
Read article →How to Obtain and Submit an Original Will or Filed Copy During Probate Administration in Pennsylvania
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer 1. Locating the Original Will When a person dies in Pennsylvania, the original will may be in the decedent’s home, safe deposit box, attorney’s office, or with a trusted […]
Read article →How to Determine Which Tasks Are Covered Under an Initial Probate Representation Agreement in PA
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, an initial probate representation agreement (often called a retainer agreement) defines which probate tasks your attorney will handle and which services may incur additional fees. To […]
Read article →How Can Beneficiaries Challenge a Trustee Who Misuses Trust Funds in PA?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer When a trustee misuses trust funds, beneficiaries have clear legal avenues under Pennsylvania law to hold the trustee accountable. The Orphans’ Court Division of the Pennsylvania Courts oversees trust […]
Read article →How Can I Obtain Proof of Lost Wages When My Former Employer in PA Will Not Provide Payroll Records?
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer If your former employer refuses to provide payroll records, you still have options to prove lost wages under Pennsylvania law. Employers must maintain payroll records for at least three years and produce them on request to the Pennsylvania Department of […]
Read article →How Can Original Wills and Codicils Be Located and Verified Before Opening Probate in Pennsylvania?
Locating and Verifying Original Wills and Codicils in Pennsylvania Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Locating and verifying an original will or codicil ensures the testator’s final wishes guide the probate process. In Pennsylvania, follow these key steps: Search personal records: Begin with the decedent’s files. Check […]
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