Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Condolences on your loss.

You would have to open an estate in the register of wills office for the county where your mother resided at the time she died. After the estate is opened, a short certificate may be issued together with the grant of letters. Most of the register of wills offices will assist you with the information necessary to open an estate. A short certificate does not certify anything other than that an estate was opened and that an executor or administrator was appointed. It does not state who the beneficiaries are. The executor or administrator is a person authorized to transfer title of assets in the estate, including a car. Before any assets can be transferred, all taxes and debts must be paid.

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.