Next of kin in Pennsylvania is your spouse, child or closest living relative. If you die without leaving behind a will, then Pennsylvania follows next of kin laws to distribute your estate. Surviving spouse If the decedent has a surviving spouse and no living parents...
Perhaps the most important duty an executor has is to inventory and protect the assets a person owned upon his or her death. This helps to ensure that beneficiaries get what was promised to them in the testator's will. If there is no will, an accurate inventory can...
Opening an estate in a Pennsylvania probate court might be necessary when someone passes away. Even if the person had few assets, probate could provide legal personal representation powers in estate matters. That representative becomes known as the executor of the...
Estate planning in Pennsylvania can be a bit more complicated than in other parts of the country due to the state's inheritance tax. Pennsylvania is also stricter than other states when it comes to what is considered a valid will. If you live in Pennsylvania, it is...
It’s a dream for many residents of Pennsylvania to own a home. If you are looking to buy a house, it can be exciting and overwhelming in a good way. However, it also takes a lot of money when you’re in the market for a home. Knowing how to effectively negotiate the...
When it comes to estate planning, a big consideration is usually taking care of the next generations. People want to ensure that their children and grandchildren are provided for. Because of that, people sometimes name a minor child as a beneficiary of a will,...
Some Pennsylvania residents may believe that a loved one's will is invalid or was made inappropriately. When this happens, a person can challenge the validity of the will, which will affect the probate process. However, there are only specific people who are allowed...
Inheritance tax rates in Pennsylvania vary depending on the type of beneficiary. The tax collected on an inheritance is 4.5% for those who are direct descendants and anyone who is considered to be a lineal heir. Siblings must pay 12% in taxes. Other types of heirs...
The point of putting together an estate plan is to ensure that your loved ones receive something of value after you have passed away. While it is beneficial to ensure that your loved ones receive your assets, estate planning also helps ensure that your debts are paid...
The legal process of settling the estate of a recently deceased loved one can take family members off guard, no matter how much they have prepared for this to happen. For the children of the loved one, dealing with lawyers, taxes and probate is a dizzying and complex...
