Probate and Estate Administration
Since 1977, The Law Offices of Williams and Scheetz has specialized in handling all aspects of the probate and estate administration process. Probate is the legal process by which a person’s will is allowed by the Probate Court. The provisions of the will dictate how the individual’s assets are distributed and debts paid upon death.
Estate administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of assets, including life insurance, annuities, qualified plans and trusts. The tax implications for such transfers can be confusing and complex and the penalties for noncompliance can be severe.
Our attorneys assist the personal representative of the estate in the gathering, valuation, accounting and distribution of the decedent’s assets. We prepare federal and state estate tax returns as well as the appropriate documents in order to release liens on a decedent’s real estate. It is our responsibility to ensure that all steps are properly taken in order to carry out the decedent’s intent in accordance with the law.
The fees most estate attorneys charge are based on a percentage of the estate. Our firm is unique in that our fees for estate administration are not based upon the size of the estate. Instead, our firm is only paid for the time that is necessary for our office to effectively and properly administer the estate. In most instances, this will result in more money passing to the estate beneficiaries.
In some instances, individuals pass away without leaving a will. We have a great deal of experience working with the Pennsylvania Intestate Laws, which govern to whom the decedent’s assets will pass, and stand ready to assist you in ensuring that the estate is handled properly and efficiently.
Please call our office at 215-322-7340 to schedule a free consultation so that we can discuss how to best meet your estate needs.
