Emmaus, PA Probate Lawyer

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, our firm would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you at this time. A death in the family can be an uneasy experience for all, and leave wounds that heal in their own time. You should be able to mourn your loss in peace and rely on the support of your family as you begin to move on. If you have complicated legal matters to resolve for your deceased family member, though, that may not be possible for you or your family.

The last thing you need right now is to spend months filing paperwork and dealing with the court, but if your loved one’s estate must go through probate, this is most likely to occur in the near future. Daly Law Offices is dedicated to helping clients work through the Pennsylvania probate process as quickly and calmly as possible. Stress will be minimized as we take the heavy lifting from your shoulders and face the probate court ourselves. Call our compassionate Emmaus probate lawyer today to learn more about how our firm can give you peace of mind and simplify your experience.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process that occurs after a person passes away in which the transfer of their estate to their heirs is overseen by the court. It is notoriously expensive due to the court costs, taxes, and filing fees that must be paid along the way; it may also be dragged out for months (or even years!) before it is resolved. Things get even more complicated if there was no will left behind that details which family members are to inherit specific assets. In this instance, the Pennsylvania intestacy laws will have a significant impact on how the probate process proceeds, as well as the individuals who will inherit the estate. 

What Do I Need To Know If I’ve Been Named Executor?

If your loved one did have a will, unfortunately probate is still necessary. However, there is a good chance the division and distribution of the estate will be much more cut-and-dried. If you’ve been named the estate executor (or appointed personal representative by a judge), the list of responsibilities that fall to you may seem endless and, at times, impossible to accomplish in the midst of your own busy life. You must:

• File a petition to open probate
• Give legal notice to creditors, beneficiaries, and the public
• Collect, protect, and inventory assets
• Have assets appraised
• Settle debts with creditors
• File final tax returns
• Pay taxes (including the inheritance tax)
• Prepare a financial accounting
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries
• Close the estate
• And more!

Can I Resolve Probate On My Own?

While it isn’t impossible for someone to resolve probate without the help of a lawyer, it would be a significant undertaking for the executor, and if there are any skipped steps or mistakes made, it may cost you – both in money and time. Working with our experienced Emmaus probate lawyer would be in your best interest for several reasons. 

For one, Pennsylvania probate law is hard to understand if you aren’t a lawyer yourself. Many of the executor tasks listed above can be handled by our attorney, who is well-practiced in the probate process and knows how to remain compliant with state law. He can provide personalized advice that will maximize the benefits in your specific situation and answer any questions you have along the way. 

Most importantly, he can handle any complications that should arise, such as a family member who contests the will. Will contests that challenge the validity of the will or certain parts of it can cause probate to last longer and instigate a much larger legal battle. Having a probate attorney on your side from the beginning adds an extra layer of security to getting a timely and successful resolution to your case. 

Trust Our Knowledgeable Emmaus Probate Lawyer To Help You Navigate The Legal System

As a small firm, we are in a unique position to provide dedicated and personalized attention to our clients. When you choose to work with us, you are choosing a firm with a reputation for its commitment to integrity and quality service. Our lead attorney, Joshua N. Daly, has over 15 years of experience and is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley. Call today to schedule your free consultation and let us advocate for you!