Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Re: Notice of Death

The purpose of advertising the estate is to start the time running (1 year) to cut off claims by creditors that the decedent owes them money. The sooner you do the advertising, the better for you.

If you make any distributions of assets to heirs/beneficiaries of the estate, you are subject to personal liability to creditors.

The advertising should begin within 3 months of the date of death.

If you are co-personal representatives, then the notice should include both of your names. It must also include an address to which claims may be sent.

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.