Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Re: wills

In order to transfer any property owned by a deceased person, that person's estate must be probated. In your case, that means filing the will in the office of the Register of Wills for the County where your father resided.

The executrix cannot act without first filing the Will and having "Letters Testamentary" issued to her by the Register of Wills.

The Register of Wills' staff will provide the documents needed to open the estate [start probate] and give you basic instructions. They cannot give you legal advice.

Without estate administration, no one has legal authority to change title to any property, including money, in the estate.

If you suspect that your sister is mishandling the estate, you should consult with a local estates lawyer.

The probate process should not be expensive. However, all taxes on the deceased's income and inheritance taxes on his estate, as well as all debts, must be paid before distributing the remaining assets in accordance with the will.

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.