When a loved one dies it is best to consult with an experienced probate and estate administration attorney to see whether the decedent's "estate" needs or should be "opened."  What do those terms mean?

An Estate is the name given to a decedent's propery, debts and affairs.

Opening an Estate means one is going to "probate" the estate.

Probate means to get the court's permission to handle the assets, debts, taxes, and affairs of the person who died and then gather said assets, pay off said debts & taxes and wrap-up the affairs of the decedent.

In some situations opening a decedent's estate is not the wisest or best thing to do.  Unfortunately for many, they will proceed to the Register of Wills without proper guidance and then open an estate when they should not have.

Why does this require an attorney?  Because there are too many pitfalls and other traps that can snare the unexpected and cause needless time and money when they should have contacted an attorney first.

Before you go to the Register of Wills after someone dies I highly recommend contacting me as soon as possible.  Time is of the essence and if you don't proceed then someone else might.  Even if you do not have an original Will an estate may be opened under the right circumstances.  Call today at 717-718-8672 or email me at scott@scottharperesq.com