Top Bethlehem, PA Probate Lawyers Near You
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512 North New Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Practical Probate legal help. Representing Bethlehem, Pennsylvania clients.
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515 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 502, Allentown, PA 18101
512 Hamilton St, Suite 400, Allentown, PA 18101
968 Postal Road Suite 200, PO Box 90400, Allentown, PA 18109
6900 Hamilton Blvd, Unit 285, #113, Trexlertown, PA 18087
609 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 210, Allentown, PA 18101
3773 Corporation Parkway Suite 360, Center Valley, PA 18034
115 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
2551 Baglyos Circle, Suite A-14, Bethlehem, PA 18020
840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 521, Allentown, PA 18101
33 S 7th St, Allentown, PA 18105
412 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
1 West Broad Street, Suite 700, Bethlehem, PA 18018
American Heritage Building, 4400 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, PA 18104
3701 Corporate Parkway, Suite 300, Center Valley, PA 18034
190 Brodhead Road, Suite 310, Bethlehem, PA 18017
1414 Millard, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Bethlehem Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Bethlehem and checks their standing with Pennsylvania bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the process through which assets from a deceased person’s estate are transferred to beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, and other loved ones. In plain terms, reading a person’s will and distributing the items contained in it is part of the probate process. In some states, probate courts also handle matters related to guardianships and conservatorships of children or disabled adults.
What Happens if You Don’t Do Probate?
Without an estate plan in place, the probate process will often still go forward, but it can get messier. Someone who dies without a will in place will often have their assets given to any survivors, even if that would have gone against their wishes. Court battles can unfold among relatives who feel like they deserve more.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.