Estate administration in Pennsylvania involves a series of legal steps after someone passes away. The goal is to distribute their assets according to their will (if one exists) or Pennsylvania state laws if no will is present. The estate administrator oversees the process and ensures the estate is settled according to the law.
Opening the estate
The estate administration process begins by opening the estate through probate court. The court will appoint an executor or administrator, depending on whether the deceased left a will. If the deceased did not leave a will, the court will appoint an administrator, typically a close family member. This step requires filing the death certificate, the will (if applicable), and the petition to open probate.
Identifying and valuing assets
Once the court opens the estate, the administrator must locate and inventory all assets of the deceased. These can include real estate, bank accounts, personal property, and other assets that are part of the estate. After identifying the assets, the administrator must have them valued to determine the estate’s total worth. The administrator may need to hire professional appraisers for valuable items, such as property or collectibles.
Paying debts and taxes
Before distributing the assets, the administrator must pay any debts the deceased owed. This includes credit card bills, loans, and funeral costs. The estate may also need to pay inheritance taxes in Pennsylvania. The administrator must file the estate tax return and ensure the estate clears all debts and taxes before distributing assets.
Distributing the estate
Once the estate has cleared all debts and taxes, the administrator can distribute the remaining assets according to the will or Pennsylvania’s intestate laws. If there is no will, state laws determine how the assets will be divided among heirs. After completing this step, the administrator can close the estate.
Estate administration can take several months to a year, depending on the estate’s complexity and whether any disputes arise. The administrator must follow all legal requirements to avoid delays or legal issues.