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The Probate Process Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming

Probate

When a person dies, his or her remaining estate must be administered according to the decedent’s Last Will and Testament. Probate is the legal process of accounting for the decedent’s property, settling debts, locating heirs, and distributing the remaining estate according to the terms of the Will. This process can be overwhelming, especially for families who are still mourning the loss of a loved one.

Probate Administration

In Pennsylvania, all estates must undergo the probate process. Pennsylvania offers a simplified process for estates worth less than $25,000 excluding real estate.  However, larger estates must go through full probate. The probate administrator is responsible for:

  • The filing the paperwork to open a probate case with the Pennsylvania Register of Wills
  • The payment of filing fees
  • Testifying that the will is legal and valid
  • Identification and inventory of all assets included in the estate
  • Determining if any assets are non-probate assets
  • Payment of any outstanding debts and taxes
  • Payment of the Pennsylvania inheritance tax
  • The sale of property to pay debts
  • Notifying heirs of the death
  • The final distribution of the remaining estate according to the terms of the will
  • The preparation of a final accounting showing how the estate was distributed

A grieving family member may find it difficult to cope with the death and the probate of the estate, especially if there is litigation or a contest involved. Petrelli Previtera can help.  Our probate attorneys can guide you through the PA probate process and handle the probate administration, saving you both time and money. Our firm also provides legal advice for the administration of estates without a valid will or trust.

Probate Litigation

Probate can be straightforward or it can be contentious. Sometimes, beneficiaries will object to the way that a trustee handles the estate. When a trustee, executor, administrator, or attorney-in-fact behaves unethically, the heirs may file a legal claim for breach of fiduciary duty.  Petrelli Previtera provides legal representation to individuals and families whose inheritance has been affected unethical fiduciaries. We also help family members contest wills that are unfair or improperly interpreted.

Areas of probate litigation handled by Petrelli Previtera include:

  • Interpretation of wills and trusts
  • Contested wills and trusts
  • Contested guardianships
  • Protection of community and marital property
  • Disputes involving transfers of property
  • Disputes involving the ownership of property
  • Life insurance disputes
  • Defense of fiduciaries charged with improper conduct

Petrelli Previtera, LLC offers estate planning services personally tailored to each client’s needs. If you have suffered a loss, our probate attorneys can help you handle your loved one’s affairs. Please call Petrelli Previtera, LLC at 215-645-4297 to learn how our legal team can help you.

Contact Our Lawyers for Assistance

The probate attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC offer customized estate planning services. We can help you handle your loved one’s affairs efficiently and in a timely manner. Contact our firm today to get started.

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Covington1148 Washington St SW, Covington, GA 30014(678) 730-6310view details
Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details