A valid will ensures that a person’s plans and wishes for their estate follow through when they pass away. For a will to hold weight, the testator, the will's creator, must possess testamentary capacity. This means they must be of sound mind and judgment when creating...
Month: January 2023
How to make things easier for your estate executor
Making things easier for your estate executor reduces stress for everyone involved. Proper planning on your part can save time and prevent conflicts while ensuring your wishes are carried out correctly. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth...
4 reasons to consider contesting a will
When a loved one passes away, the last thing on your mind might be the validity of their will. However, there are instances where contesting a will may be necessary to protect your loved one's true wishes and fairly distribute the estate. There are a few signs that...
Will I be responsible for my deceased relative’s debt?
The stress of dealing with the recent death of a loved one may be compounded by worries that you will become responsible for the debts of your deceased family member. It may not be clear when you are on the hook for the unpaid obligations of someone you had a close or...
Probate administration challenges and how to overcome them
Probate administration can be a complex process, especially when handling the estate of a deceased loved one. Understanding the challenges involved and knowing how to navigate them can make the process smoother for everyone involved. It is time-consuming Probate can...
What happens to surprise assets not in estate planning documents?
When people do estate planning in Pennsylvania, they usually take care to outline their wishes in detail. However, they may forget about a certain asset or two. What happens to assets not explicitly in estate planning documents? Distribution of unnamed assets A will...
How to manage creditor claims against an estate
When someone passes away, that person's estate becomes responsible for settling any existing debts. For executors, the people in charge of squaring away the deceased's affairs, handling creditor claims is an important aspect of their duties. This task can seem...
How to handle digital assets in probate
In today's high-tech society, many people have digital assets. These can include social media accounts, email accounts, digital photos or videos, cryptocurrencies and other online accounts. Executors need to be cautious when working with digital assets. Depending on...
Why would probate be beneficial to avoid?
Probate is a legal process that happens when a person dies, and it can feel quite overwhelming for those left behind. Common issues usually involve the validation and distribution of a dead individual's assets. There are compelling reasons to consider avoiding probate...
Can you be an estate executor in Pennsylvania from across the country?
When a loved one passes away, one question that often arises is whether you can serve as an estate executor from a different state. The answer to this question depends on various factors and considerations. Pennsylvania law does not require executors to be residents...