Top Philadelphia, PA Probate Lawyers Near You
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307 Lakeside Park, Southampton, PA 18966
William J. Benz, Attorney at Law, a reputable Probate firm representing clients in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
123 E Linden St, PO Box 384, Kennett Square, PA 19348
In the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, Larmore Scarlett LLP can help you resolve your Probate issues.
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Probate Lawyers | Serving Philadelphia, PA
1000 Easton Rd, Abington, PA 19001
Larry Scott Auerbach, Esquire, CELA, a reputable Probate firm representing clients in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
123 S Broad St, Suite 1507, Philadelphia, PA 19109
A law firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Law Offices of Adam S. Bernick experienced in helping clients with Probate issues.
104 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040
Duffy North, serving clients in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, a reputable legal practice for Probate issues.
13 W. Miner Street, West Chester, PA 19382
922 Bustleton Pike, 1st Floor, Feasterville, PA 19053
535 N Church St, Suite 220, West Chester, PA 19380
342 E Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
230 South Broad St, Suite 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19102
1800 JFK Blvd, Suite 403, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1735 Market St, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103
123 S. Board Street, Suite 1030, Philadelphia, PA 19109
One Liberty Place, 1650 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1650 Market St, Suite 3600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
2001 Market Street, Suite 1700, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Centre Square West, 1500 Market St, Suite 3400, Philadelphia, PA 19102
30 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
500 Office Center Dr, Suite 400, Fort Washington, PA 19034
1700 Market Street, Suite 1005, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1425 Spruce Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19102-4578
Cira Centre, 13th Floor, 2929 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
1760 Market Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1650 Market St, Suite 3600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Philadelphia Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Philadelphia
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Philadelphia 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 legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
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.
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.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Pennsylvania and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Pennsylvania and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Philadelphia?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Pennsylvania?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts