Do You Have Questions About Probate In Pennsylvania?

Probate is a legal concept that causes most people confusion and misunderstanding. Especially if you’ve been appointed the administrator of an estate and you are entering the probate process, you probably have many questions and concerns.

We have compiled some of the frequently asked questions and answers below. Please read through and contact us with to discuss how we can help you. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Evans, we serve clients throughout south central Pennsylvania from our home office in Waynesboro. We can help you through the probate process to make sure all the details are handled and the process goes as smoothly as possible.

What is probate?

Probate is slightly different from state to state, but in Pennsylvania, probate is the process by which someone’s assets are transferred after they die. Estates go through probate whether there is a will or not. If there is a will, it appoints someone to be the administrator to handle the process (see next question below), and if there is no will, the court will assign an administrator and Pennsylvania probate law will determine the transfer of assets.

What does the administrator do?

An estate administrator or personal representative is the person responsible for overseeing the handling of debts, the transfer of assets and overall accounting for the estate in probate.

There are strict rules regarding the handling of the assets, the process, the transfers and accounting. If you have been appointed as administrator of an estate, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can help ensure you don’t make any critical errors that could result in legal problems or lawsuits from beneficiaries.

What does the probate process look like?

On a high level, probate is a pretty simple process. First, the administrator is established by the court (if there is no will) or the will is presented to the court by the administrator. Second, the decedent’s debts need to be repaid from the estate. Third, the administrator transfers the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to either the will or Pennsylvania’s probate laws. Finally, the administrator makes an accounting of all the transfers.

How can I avoid problems in probate if I am the administrator?

There are many problems that can arise in the course of administering an estate in probate. Simple mistakes in accounting, procedural errors or errors in transferring assets can all lead to serious problems.

Contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Evans

If you are an estate administrator, it is critical to work with an experienced lawyer. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Evans, we have helped many clients through the probate process as administrators. We can help protect your rights and walk you through every step of the process.

Call 717-788-4223 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.