The Keystone to any legal strategy

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Whether a person dies with or without a will in Pennsylvania, their estate will pass into what is called probate. This legal process can involve things like:

• Proving the validity of a will
• Assembling the decedent’s assets for distribution
• Making distributions to those named in the will
• Paying back debts
• Preparing inheritance tax returns
• Addressing the breach of fiduciary duty

Much of what takes place during probate is handled by a personal representative who can either be appointed by the court or through the decedent’s will. The personal representative must handle the administration of the decedent’s estate to the best of their abilities, otherwise they risk litigation of their own.

If your loved one dies, we can probate their estate. We file the inheritance tax returns, gather and distribute assets, deal with creditors and much more.

At Vinsko & Associates, P.C., we understand how complex Pennsylvania probate law is and how confused it can leave families as well as personal representatives. We realize that mistakes happen because of misunderstandings, which is why we offer our services to families throughout Pennsylvania.

Here is what we will do for you. We will prepare the necessary documents to have the executor or administrator sworn in. We will submit the last will and testament and the death certificate, together with any other necessary paperwork, to the county Register of Wills and make this process as easy and quick as possible. If you are out of the area, we can also arrange a remote, digital swearing-in through Skype and/or Zoom, if it is available in the respective county. Once the estate is opened, we will perform the following services:

• Legal advertising of the estate
• Obtaining the EIN (Employer Identification Number) for the estate
• Notice to beneficiaries
• Cataloging all debts and assets by obtaining date of death balances
• Submitting for all life insurance and beneficiary-designated financial assets
• Preparing and filing the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return
• Assisting with the sale of any and all real estate
• Preparing the Final Account and Proposed Distribution
• Preparing and circulating the Family Settlement Agreement
• Closure of the Estate

Our qualified Pennsylvania estate probate attorneys are equipped to handle every aspect of the estate probate process, as well as handling any ancillary matters in court, if necessary.

One of the most common questions we are asked is “what do you charge for the estate?” We try to be extremely fair with our fee schedule. We will customize a plan up front for you so that there are no surprises. Your loved ones left their money and assets to you, not to us. As a result, we will give you a fair and reasonable outline of our fees and payment schedule. Call us today to speak with our Pennsylvania estate probate counsel and to obtain a written fee outline. 

At Vinsko & Associates, P.C., our attorneys understand that the passing of your loved one has left you in a difficult situation and that estate probate is only making matters worse. Let our team of highly skilled attorneys review the estate at hand, and help you take the right steps toward resolution. Trustworthy legal representation is only a phone call away.

To get in touch with one of our lawyers, call us in Wilkes-Barre or Philadelphia at 570-970-9700. You may also schedule an initial consultation using our online form. Don’t leave an estate to chance – get help from our attorneys today.