Navigating the responsibilities and challenges of being named a personal estate administrator
If you’ve been named the executor or personal administrator of another person’s estate, you have important responsibilities — and you’re also vulnerable to significant personal liability if you make mistakes or neglect to do what’s required. For example, if you fail to pay taxes or creditors before distributing the estate, you could be personally responsible for those debts.
Schedule a FREE consultation with our estate administration attorneys today
When is probate required in Pennsylvania?
Probate is the process of paying the bills of a deceased person, filing taxes, and distributing the balance of the estate to those entitled to receive it. Probate is generally required whenever a person dies in Pennsylvania while owning significant assets. A simplified form of probate is available when the person owns less than $25,000 in assets.
Our lawyers can review your loved one’s assets and determine when the probate process is required.Â
Learn more about Pennsylvania probate processes and tax consequences of administering an estate.
Probate is not necessary when the estate involves certain assets, such as:
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- Assets held in a trust
- Assets distributed by beneficiary designation, including life insurance benefits and investment accounts
- Real estate held in joint tenancy with a right of survivorship
Estate Administrator Expectations
As a personal administrator or executor, you have financial responsibilities to the estate and its beneficiaries. You may be held personally responsible if you fail to properly handle the estate or pay debts and taxes.
To protect your interests, you should hire an experienced lawyer to help you through the process. Legal fees are paid by the estate. You are also entitled to reasonable compensation for the work you perform as personal administrator.
How RQP Law helps estate executors and personal administrators
Personal Administration
Learn about your responsibilities when executing another person’s estate.
Pennsylvania Tax Consequences
Estate taxation can be complex and costly if handled incorrectly by the estate’s administrator.
Will Contests & Probate Litigation
Ensure that the interests of beneficiaries and personal administrators are protected.
Pennsylvania Probate
Pay the bills of a deceased person, file taxes, and distribute the balance of the estate.
Schedule a FREE Consultation
Contact our experienced probate attorneys for help with taking care of your responsibilities properly. We serve Montgomery County PA, Chester County, Berks County, Philadelphia County, Lancaster County and all surrounding counties in Pennsylvania.
We are pleased to meet with you in either of our Pennsylvania offices to discuss your estate administration challenges.
Primary Office
192 South Hanover Street
Suite 101
Pottstown, PA 19464
Satellite Office
Lancaster, PA 17603