Can I Seek Reimbursement from the Estate for Paying the Funeral Bill in Pennsylvania?
Detailed Answer If you or a funeral provider paid a decedent’s funeral expenses in Pennsylvania, you may seek reimbursement from the decedent’s probate estate. Pennsylvania law grants funeral and burial expenses special priority. These expenses are paid before most other unsecured claims against the estate. Who May File a Claim Anyone who advances or pays […]
Read article →How Can a Pennsylvania Estate Administrator Verify Full Satisfaction of an Outstanding Vehicle Loan?
Detailed Answer An estate administrator in Pennsylvania must follow clear, documented steps to confirm that a decedent’s vehicle loan is fully satisfied. The process involves obtaining official documents from the lender, verifying lien release under Pennsylvania law, and checking state title records. 1. Obtain a Certified Payoff Statement and Proof of Payment Contact the lender […]
Read article →How Does an Incomplete or Missing Marriage Certificate Affect a Surviving Spouse’s Allowance Claim in Pennsylvania?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Pennsylvania law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer 1. Understanding Family Allowance in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s family allowance protects a surviving spouse and minor children by reserving a portion of the decedent’s estate for their support before […]
Read article →How Can a Lower-Priority Heir Obtain Appointment as Administrator When a Higher-Priority Heir Exists in PA?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Pennsylvania law, the Orphans’ Court appoints administrators based on a strict priority list. Title 20 Pa.C.S. § 3151 outlines this order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, and then more […]
Read article →What steps protect a minor’s inheritance when the decedent did not leave a will? (PA)
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Pennsylvania attorney for advice tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer 1. Understanding Intestate Succession in Pennsylvania When someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania, Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes—Intestate Succession—governs distribution. Under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2103, […]
Read article →What mechanisms ensure the administrator complies with estate duties and bond requirements in Pennsylvania?
Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a person is appointed as an estate administrator in Pennsylvania, the Orphans Court requires the administrator to post a bond to protect the estates creditors and heirs. The bond acts as a financial guarantee that the administrator will […]
Read article →Can a Pennsylvania Personal Representative Seek a Commission on Estate Assets and Sale Proceeds?
Detailed Answer Under Pennsylvania law, a personal representative (executor or administrator) may receive commissions for managing and distributing an estate. The statutory authority is found in 20 Pa.C.S. § 307, which sets standard commission rates based on the distributable estate value. Statutory Commission Rates 5% on the first $30,000 3% on the next $70,000 2% […]
Read article →Which court or county office handles estate administration and unclaimed property claims in Pennsylvania?
Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, two distinct forums handle estate administration and unclaimed property claims: 1. Estate Administration – Orphans’ Court The Orphans’ Court division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent lived at death oversees probate and estate administration. This court admits wills to probate, appoints personal representatives (executors or […]
Read article →What steps are required to open an estate proceeding when no probate case exists in PA?
Detailed Answer When someone dies in Pennsylvania without a probate case on file, interested parties must open an estate proceeding in the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived or owned real property. This process gives a personal representative authority to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate. 1. Determine the […]
Read article →What Documentation Is Required to Apply for Letters of Administration in Pennsylvania?
Detailed Answer In Pennsylvania, letters of administration empower a personal representative to manage an intestate decedent’s estate. You begin by filing a petition in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent lived. The core documents you must prepare include: Certified Death Certificate – Obtain a certified […]
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