Top Erie, PA Probate Lawyers Near You
Has a Loved One Passed Without a Will or Do You Need Help Contesting a Will or Estate Plan?
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Dedicated to helping our clients with all of their estate planning needs. Call us today for a Free Consultation!
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If Your Loved One Has Passed Without a Will or Estate Plan, Hiring the Right Attorney to Probate The Estate is Key. Call Experienced Attorney Greg Heidt to Help in PA.
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3952 Avonia Road, First Floor, Fairview, PA 16415
Other Nearby Offices
Choose Alan J. Natalie, Attorney at Law, P.C. for qualified Probate representation in the Erie, Pennsylvania area.
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502 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16507
A law firm in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gregory L. Heidt, Attorney at Law experienced in helping clients with Probate issues.
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456 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16507
300 State Street, Suite 300, Erie, PA 16507
100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, PA 16507
302 French Street, Erie, PA 16507
3820 Liberty Street, Erie, PA 16509
1001 State St, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501
120 W 10th St., Erie, PA 16501
502 W. 7th Street, Erie, PA 16502
402 W. 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
Erie Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Erie 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.