Dedicated Guidance Throughout A Traditionally Stressful Process
After the death of a loved one, the thought of going through the legal process of administering their final affairs can seem daunting in your time of grief.
I am attorney James S. Vergotz. With nearly four decades of estate planning experience, I understand how challenging probate can be following the death of a loved one. However, working with an attorney throughout the probate process can ensure an efficient, fair and productive administration of the estate.
Which Estates Are Required To Go Through Probate?
Probate is the court-ordered process of the distribution of property after one’s death. When one dies without a will or estate plan, the assets in their estate may need to go through probate. However, estates with a will also often must go through probate. At the very least, they may have certain required property or assets to pass through it. There are ways to avoid the prospect of probate when planning your estate, including establishing a revocable trust, joint tenancy, transfer-on-death designations and more.
The Probate Process In Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, probate at its core includes identifying beneficiaries, paying off all taxes and debts of the deceased individual and transferring the property to beneficiaries. I work together with executors or administrators of the estate, as well as with beneficiaries. Executors or administrators are those designated either by the deceased individual in the will or by the court to administer the estate.
My work in the process may include:
- Encouraging and working alongside executors
- Protecting the rights of beneficiaries
- Assisting throughout the probate process
- Resolving any existing debts or liabilities
- Distributing assets per the individual’s will or intestacy laws
- Resolving will contests
- Assisting with guardianship provisions in wills involving minor children
The presence of a will or estate plan can make the entire process significantly smoother. In the absence of a will, not only will the process likely be significantly longer, but also tensions can occur between heirs unsatisfied with the court’s distributions.
Speak With An Estate Planning Lawyer
If you are interested in learning more about avoiding probate or are an executor or beneficiary for the estate of a loved one, I can provide necessary guidance. Licensed in both Pennsylvania and Florida, I can assist with estates that have property in both states.
Contact my Pittsburgh office by calling me at 412-366-0510 or by reaching out to me online.
I can provide weekend appointments or home visits by request.
