Van Horn Law and Estate Administration

Planning for the future isn't just about peace of mind - it's about protecting your legacy and making life easier for the people you care about the most.

At Van Horn Law in Allentown, PA, our experienced estate planning attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, from drafting wills and setting up trusts to navigating probate and powers of attorney. Whether you're just getting started or need help administrating a loved one's estate, our team is committed to making the complex simple, and ensuring your wishes are carried out with clarity and care.

Here are six key ways Van Horn Law can assist you with Estate Planning and Administration:

1. Legal Guidance: We provide clear, personalized legal advice to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your estate plan, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania law.

2. Probate Assistance: Our team supports executors and beneficiaries through the probate process, managing court filings, deadlines, and legal requirements to streamline estate settlement.

3. Asset Distribution: We assist in the orderly and efficient distribution of estate assets in accordance with your will, trust, or Pennsylvania intestacy laws, minimizing delays and disputes.

4. Debt Settlement: We help identify and resolve outstanding debts and liabilities of the estate, ensuring all obligations are lawfully addressed before final distributions are made.

5. Estate Tax Planning: Our attorneys develop strategies to reduce estate and inheritance tax exposure, helping preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

6. Legal Representation: Whether in probate court or dealing with contested matters, we offer skilled legal representation to protect your interest and advocate on your behalf.

Estate Administration Process in Pennsylvania:

1. Probate and Non-Probate Assets:

• Probate is the legal process of proving a will and settling the estate of a deceased person.
• Non-probate assets, such as life insurance proceeds and assets held in trusts, bypass probate.

2. Filing the Will:

• The first step is filing the will with the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent lived.

3. Appointment of Executor or Administrator:

• If there's a will, the person nominated as the executor in the will typically applies to the Register of Wills for appointment.
• If there's no will, an administrator is appointed according to the state's laws of intestate succession.

4. Inventory and Appraisal:

• The executor must prepare an inventory and appraisal of the decedent's assets.

5. Notice to Creditors and Debts:

• Notice of the probate must be given to creditors, and the executor must pay valid debts from the estate.

6. Tax Filings:

• The executor is responsible for filing the decedent's final income tax return and, if applicable, an estate tax return.

7. Distribution of Assets:

• After debts and taxes are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestate succession laws.

8. Final Accounting and Closing the Estate:

• The executor provides a final accounting to the court and once approved, the estate is closed.

Contact our team at Van Horn Law Office in Pennsylvania by calling 610-437-2757 or filling out the online form.

We will schedule your consultation to ensure you receive the care and protection you deserve.