Compassionate Legal Representation for Families Across Northeast Pennsylvania

Our Elder Law practice is dedicated to helping clients plan for the future with confidence. We prepare essential estate planning documents, including Last Wills and Testaments, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives, to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are prepared for life's expected and unexpected transitions. We also represent clients in Estate Administration, Orphans' Court proceedings, and Guardianship matters. Whether administering an estate, resolving disputes under the jurisdiction of the Orphans' Court, or petitioning for the appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated individual, we provide experienced legal counsel and effective representation at every stage of the process.

Estate Administration is the legal process of settling a person's affairs after death. In Pennsylvania, this process typically includes probating a Will (if one exists), appointing a personal representative known as an Executor or Administrator, identifying and valuing assets, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries or heirs in accordance with the Will or Pennsylvania law.

The estate administration process can involve filings with the Register of Wills and, when necessary, proceedings before the Orphans' Court. Our firm guides personal representatives through each stage of the process, helping ensure that all legal obligations are satisfied efficiently and in compliance with Pennsylvania law.

Although Pennsylvania law does not require every estate to be administered by an attorney, the estate administration process involves numerous legal requirements and fiduciary responsibilities that can create challenges for an inexperienced Personal Representative. The Personal Representative is responsible for properly administering the estate in accordance with the Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, including collecting and valuing assets, addressing creditor claims, satisfying tax obligations, and distributing assets to the proper beneficiaries or heirs.

Our attorneys assist Personal Representatives throughout the estate administration process to ensure that all required steps are completed properly and to help avoid potential pitfalls that may expose a Personal Representative to personal liability. We provide guidance regarding probate procedures, estate filings, creditor and beneficiary issues, tax matters, and the many responsibilities imposed upon a Personal Representative under Pennsylvania law.

Having experienced legal counsel can provide Personal Representatives with confidence that the estate is being administered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable Pennsylvania law.

The Orphans' Court is a division of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas that has jurisdiction over matters involving decedents' estates, trusts, guardianships, and other fiduciary proceedings. Although its name reflects its historical role in protecting orphans and minors, today the Orphans' Court oversees a broad range of legal matters relating to the administration of estates and the protection of incapacitated individuals and beneficiaries.

The Orphans' Court may hear disputes involving the validity or interpretation of a Will, the actions of an executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, the administration of trusts and estates, accountings filed by fiduciaries, petitions for the appointment of guardians for incapacitated adults or minors, and other matters arising under Pennsylvania's Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code.