Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

The executor risks personal liability if he makes the final distribution before he has received clearances that all taxes have been paid and no more are due.

It is customary to wait until the returns have been filed and approved.

If it is a substantial amount, he may even want, but is not required, to do a formal accounting in Orphans' Court.

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.

Attorney Jacobson gives good advice. While you can request early distribution, this is at the executor's risk and it will depend on the assets in the estate and how much is anticipated to be needed for taxes. If the executor says no, then that is it. There is no right to demand an early distribution.