Helping You With Probate And Estate Administration After A Loved One’s Death
After someone close to you has passed away, the burden and uncertainty can be overwhelming. At Marks Elder Law, we aim to support and assist you in any way that we can. Our goal is to do everything that needs to be done, so you don’t have to worry.
How Do We Help With Probate And Estate Administration?
Our Pittsburgh probate and estate administration lawyers and experienced professional staff can act on your behalf to administer or help administer the estate. With more than 40 years of experience, we have significant knowledge of estate and inheritance law and can properly handle your loved one’s affairs, with skill, empathy and kindness.
Our Firm Can Assist With The Following Specific Steps In The Process:
- Probate a Will or determine the heirs if there is no Will
- Secure the appointment of the executor or administrator
- Gather and inventory assets
- Sell what needs to be sold
- Notify beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors
- Pay expenses and debts
- Prepare and file required probate filings
- Prepare and file tax returns
- Account for estate transactions
- Distribute assets to recipients as required
- Resolve family disputes
- And more.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Is An “Estate?” What Is “Probate?”
An “estate” in the broadest sense means all of the assets, property, liabilities and affairs of a person who has passed away. In a narrower sense, the “probate estate” consists of only certain assets that require additional legal paperwork and involvement with legal authorities, called “probate.” Dealing with these complicated procedures, court filings, tax returns and legal requirements can be hard to navigate on your own. “Administering” the estate means taking all needed steps to wind up someone’s affairs.
Why Does A Will Or Trust Matter?
After a person dies, if they left behind a Will or Trust, those legal documents may control the estate situation. They may determine WHO will be in charge and WHAT must be done.
When Does A Will NOT Matter?
Assets that are left behind with a named beneficiary, joint owner or depositor arthritis survivorship, Transfer on Death Beneficiary, etc are NOT inherited according to what it says in the will. Those assets go to the named beneficiary because of the written beneficiary designation, instead.
What Is An Executor Or Administrator?
An executor is a person who was named in a will to be in charge of an estate. If no executor is named or if an executor cannot serve, another person can be appointed, usually known as the administrator. When you choose our firm to help you administer the estate of your loved one, we will work with you or the appointed executor, administrator or other representatives of your estate.
Dedicated Support for the Estate Administration Process
The entire estate administration process can take a significant amount of time – sometimes more than a year – depending on how large and complicated the estate is. If there are any issues that require more resources to resolve, such as real estate to sell or a will contest, it can often take longer. At Marks Elder Law, we understand what you are going through. We know that estate administration is time-consuming and confusing. Choosing an empathetic, skilled Pittsburgh probate and estate administration attorney can make a difference in the outcome.
Call Our Office To Learn More About Probate And Estate Administration
If you have questions about how to manage and disburse a loved one’s estate, Marks Elder Law can provide clear answers. To schedule a free estate or probate consultation in our Pittsburgh office, call our firm at 412-415-7586 or send us an email.