Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Re: will

It is not even necessary to involve a lawyer, unless the estate is large and complicated.

The will should be filed, or probated, with the Office of the Register of Wills in the County where the deceased resided. That is how the executor gets the "short" certificate.

The estate must be administered by determine the assets and the debts of the estate. Before any asset may be distributed to heirs, the decedent's debts would first have to be paid. This includes all taxes (income, inheritance) that were due, other debt, including funeral expenses, etc. Only then, if anything is left over, can it be distributed to heirs.

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.