Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

The informal accounting was filed 2 months ago. I have many unanswered questions. Executor and estate attorney do not respond. Should I wait for some type of settlement letter or do I petition the court for a formal accounting?


Asked on 10/30/16, 3:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

If you have unanswered questions, why did you not object to the accounting? The time to object is short. Neither the executor or the estate attorney is compelled to answer your questions. If you want answers, then hire your own independent attorney to object if time has not expired or to try and get answers. It may be that a simple letter or phone call will do the trick depending on your issues.

However, I question why nothing has happened after 2 months/ The court cannot be that busy. Have you checked the estate file for activity? And I don't know what you mean by an "informal" accounting. There is an annual or final accounting. A courtesy copy might be sent to you and you will be asked to object or voice your objections. If none are raised or that merit any revision, the accounting is formally filed and there is a hearing by the clerk depending on what county this is in. The accounting is then confirmed by the court if all is in order and the executor is discharged. Any remaining property is then distributed to the heirs. This is not a complicated process and it should not take months to get a hearing.

Since its not clear what is going on and what has taken place, I strongly urge you to see a local probate attorney and have him or her review the file and the accounting and see if all is in order or not and possibly make some inquiries on your behalf.

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Answered on 10/30/16, 8:50 pm


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