Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Re: no will`

Condolences on your loss.

Generally, when someone dies, nothing can be done with their assets except with estate administration. This requires seeking appointment as personal representative by filing a petition at the Register of Wills of the County where your father resided. The administration consists of find out all debts and all assets, paying income and inheritance taxes, and creditors, before distributing anything. All legal heirs, as defined in the PA intestacy statute, are entitled to share in the assets available for distribution.

If you live in the home and would be able to support the mortgage on the home, you should talk to the mortgage company or its lawyers. If you want to sell the house, you would still have to make arrangements with the mortgage company to pay off the loan before you could receive any of the proceeds of sale.

You may need to consult with an estates lawyer just to determine what your options are and to learn the steps you should be taking now.