Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

What does the Will say? As executor, you are bound to follow the directions in the Will.

If there was no Will, the Intestate Succession statute governs. It does not give preference between siblings according to their ages.

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.

Read the will. Since you are the exsecutor chances are that there is a will. There are many ways to divvy this up if the will does not specify. If the will gives you sole discretion, you can sell it and divide the proceeds between the heirs or you can decide who gets what. You can have an auction where even the heirs can bid on it. You can also value the jewelry and have the heirs take turns selecting pieces until all the pieces have been taken and hope that the pieces are of equal value. If they are not, maybe other assets can be used to make their shares equal or in whatever percentage they get as per the will. You can also have the brothers draw straws or go in alphabetical order or by age. There is no magic bullet but you need to be fair to both of them and if they are going to fight and if the will gives you the decision-making power, then tell them you will sell it and divide the money. That is what the court would do if a decision could not be made.