Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

I am the executrix of my uncle's small estate (I got my Letters from the Register of Wills granted) and am ready to close the estate account. All bills have been paid, federal & state taxes done, etc. I wanted to file the Status Report when I sent the two copies of the Inheritance Tax Returns to the Register of Wills to start closing this up. I know I won't get a final approval from the Dept. of Revenue for months, but wanted to start the wrap-up of the probate now.

I was told by the Register of Wills that I do not need to request an audit, but can simply file the Inheritance Tax return and all receipts, forms, notices in the newspaper along with the Status Report to close this up to the Register of Wills.

Is there anything I need to do differently? Does the above instruction sound correct?

Thx.


Asked on 6/29/11, 4:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

The above instruction sounds correct, but I don't know what assets are in the estate and if there are any heirs or whether you used the procedure for small estates.

You might want to consult a probate attorney who actually practices in your county. If money is an issue, go to your county law libary and see if they have any books on estate settlement.

Also, read both the state rules and your county local rules, if any. The state rules are available online for free, Here is a link to the state Orphans' Court rules:

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/231/231toc.html

If the estate is in Berks County, here is a link to the Berks' County Rules:

http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Courts/Pages/LocalRules.aspx

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Answered on 6/30/11, 2:35 pm


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