Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

You must first probate her will to open the estate, and give the required notices. The Office of the Register of Wills will provide you with a package of documents containing those forms and instructions. The rest of the administration involves advertising the estate, making sure that you know all of the debts, paying them, including all taxes, and only then may you distribute the remaining assets in the estate.

There is no set fee. While the executor is permitted to take a fee, most relatives in your situation do not take a fee unless the estate is complicated and requires lots of administrative work and accounting.

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.