Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

how do you remove the name of a deceased spouse from all joint accounts, such as tax bills, properties ect?


Asked on 9/21/10, 7:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

The estate of a deceased person has to be administered by seeking appointment as the personal representative of the estate. This is done in the Office of the Register of Wills for the county where the deceased person resided. After all debts are paid, the balance of the estate assets may be distributed according to the will, if there was one, or according to state law if there was no will.

Banks and other institutions will require copies of the death certificate and/or evidence that the estate was filed and a personal representative was appointed.

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 more
Answered on 9/28/10, 8:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Pennsylvania