Probate is the legal process through which a court validates a will and oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. For families dealing with loss, the requirements of probate can add stress to an already difficult time. There are court filings, deadlines, creditor notices, and tax obligations that must be handled correctly.
At Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC, we help families and executors in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and the surrounding areas work through the probate process with confidence. Our attorneys take care of the legal details so you can focus on what matters most.
Probate in Pennsylvania begins when the will is filed with the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased person lived. If the court accepts the will, it grants Letters Testamentary to the named executor. If there is no will, the court appoints an administrator and issues Letters of Administration.
Once authority is granted, the executor or administrator is responsible for:
Each step must follow Pennsylvania law. The courts in Allegheny County, Washington County, and surrounding jurisdictions each have their own local rules and procedures that must be followed.
Not every asset goes through probate. Jointly owned property, accounts with designated beneficiaries, and assets held in a trust typically pass outside the probate process. However, any asset titled solely in the name of the deceased person at the time of death will likely need to go through probate.
Common assets that require probate include:
If you are unsure which assets need to go through probate, our attorneys can review the estate and give you a clear answer.
Even when a will exists, the probate process does not always go smoothly. Our attorneys have helped families work through a range of issues, including:
When problems come up, having an attorney involved from the start can prevent delays and reduce the risk of mistakes that lead to personal liability for the executor.
We work with executors and administrators at every stage of the process. When a client comes to us, we begin by reviewing the will and identifying the assets and debts of the estate. We then prepare and file the necessary court documents, handle creditor communications, and advise on tax matters.
If disputes arise among beneficiaries, we work to find a resolution that honors the wishes of the deceased and stays within the law. If litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys are prepared to represent your interests in court.
We also help families who are dealing with estates where no will was left. In these cases, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed, and the court appoints an administrator. Our team guides you through this process step by step.
We serve clients in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and communities throughout western Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.
If you have been named as an executor or need help with a probate matter, contact Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC at (304) 982-1586 or visit kostrublaw.com to schedule a consultation. We are ready to help you move forward.
Most estates are settled within six months to one year. The timeline depends on the size of the estate, the number of creditors, and any disputes that may arise. Our attorneys work to keep the process on track.
Yes, in some cases. Assets held in a trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with named beneficiaries can bypass probate. Our team can help you plan ahead to reduce the number of assets that must go through the court process.
Costs include court filing fees, publication costs for creditor notices, and attorney fees. The exact amount depends on the size and nature of the estate. We provide clear information about expected costs during your consultation.
An executor is the person named in the will to manage the estate. An administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. Both roles carry the same legal responsibilities.
Yes. If an executor fails to fulfill their duties, mismanages assets, or acts against the interests of the estate, the court can remove them and appoint a replacement. Our attorneys can advise you if you have concerns about how an estate is being managed.
