Caring Guidance Through Probate And Estate Administration
At the Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider, our experienced Allegheny County lawyers guide individuals and families sensitively and capably through the complex process of estate administration.
Probate is a court process required to validate a person’s will and supervise administration. Not every estate needs probate. In Pennsylvania, when the value of an estate is less than $50,000, probate can be avoided using a simplified small estate process. A probate and estate administration attorney can determine how best to manage the estate and help you complete the necessary components of the process.
Do you require assistance with probate and estate administration in Allegheny County or the surrounding counties? Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-342-8577 to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding The Estate Administration Process
After a person’s death, the assets in his or her estate must be collected and managed by the decedent’s representative. Estate administration involves paying debts, as needed, and distributing assets in accordance with wills, trusts and other estate planning documents. In some cases, it may be necessary to probate the will.
If a person dies without a will, there are special procedures that must be followed.
The executor of an estate is entrusted with the large responsibility of making sure a person’s last wishes are granted with regard to the disposition of his or her property and possessions, a responsibility that can be daunting. Many people name their spouse or adult child. The Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider represents executors and guides them through this sometimes complex process.
Comprehensive Estate Administration And Probate Assistance
Our probate and estate administration lawyers have extensive and diverse experience with the duties of estate administration, including:
- Federal estate and probate administration inheritance taxes
- Postmortem estate tax planning
- Analyzing existing wills, trusts, disclaimers and tax elections
- Probating a will
- Strategizing to maximize intended beneficiary distributions
The executor of an estate has a fiduciary duty to prudently manage any assets before they are distributed. Executors are not typically legal professionals, and the process, particularly if it involves sales of property, setting up a testamentary trust or preparation of tax returns, can be daunting. Making a mistake can expose you to personal liability, among other things.
We are qualified and experienced in estate administration and probate law and procedures. We are able to prepare tax returns for federal estate, Pennsylvania inheritance and fiduciary income taxes, and the decedent’s final 1040 tax filing, as well.
Contact Us To Secure Capable Legal Counsel
To learn more about the services we offer during a free consultation, call us at 412-342-8577, or contact us online.