Northampton, PA Probate Lawyer

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If you and your family are in the midst of mourning the loss of a family member, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies. While the emotional toll it can take on a person is substantial, death is difficult to deal with for many other reasons, as well: there are funeral and burial arrangements to be made, painful phone calls to inform others of the passing, and legal obligations that often fall to the next-of-kin. If your loved one died without a will or with an estate left in disarray, everything may become even more challenging. All of this is likely more than you can handle, and you may find yourself in need of a compassionate hand to guide you through the aftermath. Our firm is ready to step in and offer you the helping hand you deserve.

Our Northampton probate lawyer, Joshua N. Daly has been helping clients and families sort through their loved one’s estate and handle probate matters for 15 years. He is well-practiced in Pennsylvania estate administration laws and can help resolve even the most complex probate cases swiftly and efficiently. You and your family are guaranteed an unmatched level of dedication and attention as we navigate you through this complicated process. Call Daly Law Offices today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your next steps.

Why Is Probate Necessary In Pennsylvania?

Probate is also known as estate administration, and it is a legal process that may be required after a person passes away. The purpose of probate is to transfer the money and property of the deceased person to their beneficiaries. If your loved one’s assets were owned jointly or secured in a trust, their estate may be able to bypass probate. Similarly, if the estate is valued at less than $50,000, it may only be required to go through a simplified version of probate. Our Northampton probate lawyer can review the details of your loved one’s estate and determine whether or not probate is necessary.

Probate is opened after the death certificate and will (if there was one) is submitted to the court. If there is no will, the estate will be divided and distributed based on the intestacy laws of Pennsylvania. If your loved one did have a will, the person named as the executor (sometimes called the personal representative) will be appointed by the court to carry out the steps of probate. It is a significant undertaking, as there are many complex procedures that must be followed correctly and in a timely manner.

Can I Navigate Probate On My Own?

Probate is notorious for being dragged out for months and costing your loved one’s estate in the process. If you are the personal representative/estate executor, this can all become an extremely stressful situation very quickly. The most beneficial course of action is to seek the aid of an experienced Northampton probate lawyer who can handle the heavy lifting and help you avoid getting overwhelmed. He can assist you with:

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

Our Northampton Probate Lawyer Can Provide The Kind Of Guidance You Need In This Difficult Time

In this discouraging time, your energy should be focused on your family and your own healing and self-care. At Daly Law Offices, you will find empathy, compassion, and a commitment to getting your probate case resolved skillfully and helping you move on. Call today to schedule your free consultation and let us make a difference for you and your family.

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Northampton, PA Practice Areas

Worked together on a relative’s Estate Planning. Very easy to work with and knowledgeable. So glad we chose Josh. Thank you.

Beth Macik

Josh we wanted to take a moment to thank you from the 3 of us from the bottom of our hearts. You are a gift and you have such a gift in what you do and they way you actually do it.
A total class act with the perfect personality for your profession. We can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate you and honestly thank so much. And it won’t be the last you see of us. Much Appreciation. The Stine/DiGiovanni family
*We highly recommend Joshua Daly for Elder Law, wills, etc. This is something that people don’t know what can happen when your parents pass away or what to do. Josh helps prevent as much as you legally can the home and assets being taken by elder care home and/or govt.
What a great experience on a subject people don’t like to talk about but is so important. Josh makes this process pleasant. We are recommending Josh to all our friend and family and friends. Everyone should get their ducks in a row. I am glad we met Josh & finally did this!
Thank you Josh

Stephanie DiGiovanni