Nazareth, PA Probate Lawyer

If your loved one died without a valid will or trust, their assets will have to go through the formal court procedure known as probate administration. Probate can be confusing to individuals who have no familiarity with the legal system in Pennsylvania; most people have never heard of it, and it is the last thing you want to be dealing with when you are grieving. We’re sorry for your loss….we know how difficult death can be and how burdensome the legalities can feel during this time. If you are a resident of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and in need of a probate administration lawyer, we can help you and your family members. Our compassionate, knowledgeable Nazareth probate lawyer will help you understand the most important aspects of probate administration in Pennsylvania. Call today to book a free consultation and learn more about your next steps.

The Fundamentals Of Probate Administration In Pennsylvania 

Probate administration is the legal process by which assets owned by a decedent’s estate are passed to the decedent’s heirs at law, either according to the terms of their will, or if there was no will left behind, according to Pennsylvania’s intestate laws. Unfortunately for the family members, administering an estate can take months or even years, and filing fees, taxes, and court costs can make probate administration extremely expensive. 

If your loved one’s estate is valued at less than $50,000, then you and your surviving family members may request that the estate be administered in a simplified probate administration. If the estate is valued at more than $50,000, though, you will likely have to go through traditional probate procedures. If your loved one dies with a valid will, an executor or personal representative named in the will is responsible for overseeing the distribution of the decedent’s assets. The personal representative must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with Pennsylvania law and probate procedures. 

Retaining A Nazareth Probate Lawyer Can Have Many Benefits 

Probate may take longer if you attempt to undertake probate on your own. Focusing on filing court documents and attending hearings is difficult to do while you are processing the loss of your family member. Also, a personal representative can be personally liable for making mistakes or mishandling tasks during the probate of an estate. If you’re named the personal representative, you could be fined for unintentionally missing deadlines or  violating your duties under Pennsylvania law. Our knowledgeable and skilled Nazareth probate lawyer can help make the probate process less overwhelming. Daly Law Offices can assist you with all of the following probate tasks:

• determining whether the decedent’s estate needs to go through probate 
• filing the will with the court of the county where the decedent lived 
• filing a petition for probate 
• answering any questions about probate administration 
• explaining legal options in clear language 
• providing personalized legal advice regarding probate administration 
• taking inventory and appraising the decedent’s assets 
• providing written notice to the will’s beneficiaries and creditors 
• obtaining affidavits and declarations from the attesting witnesses 
• negotiating debts with creditors
• filing an estate tax return and paying estate taxes 
• distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries 
• preparing a final accounting 
• And more

Many residents of Nazareth may not understand that making an estate plan can help their surviving family members avoid the stress and complexities of probate administration. Because we are well-versed in estate planning law as well as probate law, we can help you with your own estate planning goals so your family won’t have to go through the same thing upon your death. 

Why Choose Daly Law Offices To Represent You

Attorney Joshua N. Daly, the lead Nazareth probate lawyer at Daly Law Offices, has over 15 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of the probate process and reach the quickest, most efficient resolution possible so they can move forward with their lives after loss. He provides an unmatched level of empathy, committed attention, and quality legal service for each and every client he works with. He is focused on giving you peace of mind! Probate is time-sensitive. Call today to book a free consultation and get your questions answered.