Probate & Estate Administration Attorney in Pennsylvania
Probate & Estate Administration Attorney in Pennsylvania
When a loved one passes away, the legal and financial tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. In Pennsylvania, most estates must go through probate in the Orphans’ Court via the local Register of Wills. Executors are responsible for collecting assets, paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing property—often under strict deadlines and court oversight.
At Chadwick Estate Law, we guide executors and families through every step of probate and estate administration. We minimize stress, reduce delays, and ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law. With experience handling estates both modest and complex—from family homes to multi-million-dollar trusts—we bring clarity to a process that can otherwise be confusing and costly.
What Is Probate in Pennsylvania?
Probate is the court-supervised process of proving a will, appointing an executor, and overseeing the transfer of assets. If there is no will, the Orphans’ Court appoints an administrator, and state intestate succession laws determine who inherits.
Steps typically include:
Filing the will with the Register of Wills and petitioning for probate.
Appointing an executor or administrator to manage the estate.
Collecting and valuing assets (bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal property).
Notifying heirs and creditors.
Paying debts, expenses, and taxes (including Pennsylvania inheritance tax).
Filing accountings if required.
Distributing assets according to the will or intestacy law.
Probate in Pennsylvania typically lasts 6–12 months for simple estates, but contested or complex estates may take longer.
Executor Responsibilities
As executor (or administrator), you are legally required to:
Collect, secure, and inventory estate assets.
File the will and related petitions with the Register of Wills.
Provide required notices to beneficiaries and creditors.
Pay valid debts, claims, and expenses.
File Pennsylvania inheritance tax return (REV-1500) within 9 months.
File federal/state income and estate tax returns, if required.
Distribute assets to heirs and beneficiaries.
Provide accountings when necessary.
Executors can be personally liable for mistakes. Having legal guidance protects you and the estate.
Learn About Beneficiary Representation
How We Help Families
Executor Support — From opening probate to final distribution.
Small Estate Petitions — Streamlined process for estates under certain thresholds.
Will Contests & Disputes — Representation in Orphans’ Court litigation.
Trust & Estate Administration — Coordinating trust and probate matters.
Tax Compliance — Preparing inheritance tax returns and working with CPAs.
Beneficiary Guidance — Ensuring rights are protected if you’re not the executor.
Common Scenarios
A spouse passes away and the surviving spouse needs to probate the will and retitle assets.
A parent dies without a will and children must navigate intestate succession.
A family member is named executor but doesn’t know where to begin.
Beneficiaries suspect mismanagement and want oversight or representation.
Out-of-state executors need help administering a Pennsylvania estate.
Pennsylvania-Focused FAQs
How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
Most estates close in 6–12 months, but disputes or complex assets can extend the process.
Do all estates require probate in PA?
Not always. Small estates may qualify for simplified administration, and assets with joint ownership or designated beneficiaries pass outside probate.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania?
The estate follows intestate succession laws. Spouses and children inherit first, followed by parents, siblings, and other relatives. The Orphans’ Court appoints an administrator.
Can executors be compensated?
Yes. Executors are entitled to reasonable compensation approved by the court or agreed by beneficiaries.
Can probate be avoided?
Certain assets (like those held in a revocable trust or with designated beneficiaries) avoid probate. We can review options to minimize probate in future planning.
Service Areas
We proudly serve Wayne, the Main Line, and greater Philadelphia: Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Radnor, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern, Ardmore, Haverford, Media, West Chester, King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Lafayette Hill, Blue Bell, Phoenixville, Gladwyne, Bala Cynwyd, Lower Merion, Upper Merion—and offer statewide probate assistance via Zoom.
Next Steps
Probate and estate administration don’t have to be overwhelming.
Schedule a Probate Consultation
Download the Estate Administration Checklist
Primary CTA: Schedule a Consultation
Secondary CTA: Download the Checklist
Common Scenarios
A spouse passes away and the surviving spouse needs to probate the will and retitle assets.
A parent dies without a will and children must navigate intestate succession.
A family member is named executor but doesn’t know where to begin.
Beneficiaries suspect mismanagement and want oversight or representation.
Out-of-state executors need help administering a Pennsylvania estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Probate
How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
Most estates close in 6–12 months, but disputes or complex assets can extend the process.
Do all estates require probate in Pennsylvania?
Not always. Small estates may qualify for simplified administration, and assets with joint ownership or designated beneficiaries pass outside probate.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania?
The estate follows intestate succession laws. Spouses and children inherit first, followed by parents, siblings, and other relatives. The Orphans’ Court appoints an administrator.
Can executors be compensated?
Yes. Executors are entitled to reasonable compensation approved by the court or agreed by beneficiaries.
Can probate be avoided?
Certain assets (like those held in a revocable trust or with designated beneficiaries) avoid probate. We can review options to minimize probate in future planning
