Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Family members don't just "sign out."

The estate of each parent has to be administered. This starts with the appropriate family member or members going to the Office of the Register of Wills in the County where the parents resided at the time of their respective deaths and seeking appointment as administrator/personal representative. Notice of appointment must be given to all heirs.

There there are many steps to follow: to advertise the opening of the estates, so that creditors may make their claims; to pay all debts and taxes before any of the remaining assets in the respective estates may be distributed. These are only a couple of the steps.

Distributing assets before completing payment of debts and taxes will result in personal liability of the administrator[s], requiring them personally to pay the debts and taxes.

The Office of the Register of Wills will provide forms and guidance to open the estates, but it cannot provide legal advice. You may have to engage the services of an estates lawyer to assist with the estate administration.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.