Transferring property after death requires careful planning. In Pennsylvania, a traditional will is the most commonly used method for passing real estate to heirs, as the state does not recognize transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds for real estate. However, alternative...
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Estate Administration
Where can an executor find help for administering an estate?
Administering an estate can be a complex task, especially for an executor unfamiliar with the process. When the attorney who helped draft the deceased's will is no longer available, it adds another layer of difficulty. However, there are several other resources that...
What should happen for a trust beneficiary to receive a home?
If you fear passing your house to your child through probate could be lengthy and complicated, you should know that you have other ways to convey your property to your son or daughter. It is possible to use a trust to change your home ownership to your offspring after...
How to spot and avoid fraudulent estate planning tools
As people age, they may begin thinking about what can happen to their assets after passing on, igniting their interest in different estate planning tools. Having an estate plan can have diverse benefits. However, others may take advantage of this curiosity and exploit...
Building an inclusive legacy: Estate planning and open adoption
Estate planning takes on heightened importance in the context of open adoption. In this set-up, ongoing communication between adoptive and birth parents shapes a distinctive family dynamic. Inheritance intentions and financial clarity Before delving into estate...
Should an executor hire an attorney?
A testator, or someone who creates a will, appoints a personal representative or executor to carry out their last wishes and administer their estate. Estate administration involves probate administration, which is essentially the legal process of validating a will and...
How can undue influence harm a person’s estate plan?
Estate planning is a process aimed at securing one's assets and ensuring the smooth transition of wealth to beneficiaries. However, lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward task is the potential for undue influence. Undue influence happens when an...
Getting started as the executor of an estate
Serving as executor of someone’s estate is a position of honor and respect. In most cases, people choose someone they deeply trust for this role. As that executor, you may wonder where you should start. It may seem confusing to those new to the role, but it is easier...
What to do when your estate attorney moves or passes away
When you hire an estate attorney, you expect them to be reliable enough to carry out your wishes exactly as they are written in your will. But what happens if they relocate, die, or retire without your knowledge? Your will should still be valid, but there are actions...
Choosing an executor: duties and qualities that fit
When someone dear to us passes away, it can be difficult and emotional for the family. Along with grieving the loss, many practical matters need to be addressed, such as distributing the deceased's estate and assets according to their wishes. This is where an executor...