Do you have questions about Elder Law or Elderly Estate Administration?

If you have questions regarding Elder Law and/or Elderly Estate Administration and the options available to you in the state of Pennsylvania, call Slutsky Elder Law at (610) 940-0650 to schedule a consultation today.

After you pass away, your property will be distributed and transferred to other people. An executor or administrator will take charge of this process, which is known as estate administration. The way your estate administration proceeds depends on several factors, including any planning you have done beforehand. A probate attorney can advise and represent you throughout this process to ensure it goes smoothly. If you need advice about probate and estate planning, Slutsky Elder Law can help you. Robert Slutsky has been representing clients in Montgomery County, PA, Chester County, PA, and Delaware County, PA for 30 years, making him highly qualified to advise you in probate matters.

What Happens During an Estate Administration

probate and estate administration in Montgomery County, PAIn Pennsylvania, the Register of Wills determines who will serve as executor or administrator of an estate, whether it is in Montgomery County, PA, or anywhere else in the state. When the decedent (the person who died) left a Will, the person named in the Will serves as executor unless they are disqualified or declines to serve.

The process is a little more complicated when the decedent dies intestate, which means he or she did not leave a Will. Usually, one of the decedent’s relatives is named the administrator of the estate based on the list provided in Pennsylvania law.

Executors and administrators have the same job to perform. However, the executor is directed by the decedent’s Will when distributing probate assets to heirs. The administrator must follow the intestacy laws of the state in which you lived when you died.

It’s important to understand how assets pass from the decedent to his or her beneficiaries during estate administration. Speaking to experienced estate administration lawyers can give you a better understanding of this process.

Probate Property vs. Non-Probate Property

Assets owned only by the decedent usually become part of the probate estate for the executor or administrator to manage. But some property transfers to beneficiaries by other, non-probate, means.

  • Property owned by a trust is managed by a trustee, whose job is similar to the executor or administrator.
  • Jointly-owned property passes directly to the co-owner. However, joint ownership with someone other than a spouse has its dangers and should be carefully considered. Probate lawyers can tell you more about these dangers and help you develop a plan for the future.
  • Accounts with named beneficiaries transfer directly to the beneficiary after the account owner dies.

Probate is not always a lengthy process, and non-probate assets transfer slightly faster than probate assets. By using non-probate transfers, however, the estate loses some of the protections offered by wills and trusts. Robert Slutsky is an attorney who has been dealing with probate matters and wills for 30 years, and if you live in Chester County, Delaware County, or anywhere nearby, he can advise you during this process.

Wills, Trusts, & Non-Probate Transfers

Wills and trusts direct the distribution of a decedent’s property. They can also protect your beneficiaries in situations like the following:

  • Beneficiaries under age 18 require the appointment of a legal guardian of their estate.
  • Some beneficiaries may lack the maturity to handle a large inheritance.
  • Irresponsible beneficiaries of any age may need help managing their funds.
  • Disabled beneficiaries may lose public benefits like Medicaid and SSI if they receive their inheritance directly.

A properly drafted Will or trust can include provisions to avoid these problems. Having an estate plan in place before you pass away could make estate administration easier for your executor and your family. A probate attorney serving Montgomery County, PA, and nearby communities is the best source of advice about these matters.

Estate Administration Duties

Executors and administrators typically have to do the following when handling an estate, and probate attorneys can assist them during this process:

  • Find and notify beneficiaries.
  • Locate and gather the decedent’s property.
  • Evaluate the property to see if it belongs in the probate estate.
  • Manage estate assets, which may include paying for maintenance and insurance.
  • Pay the decedent’s debts.
  • Distribute probate assets to beneficiaries.

Before finalizing an estate administration, the executor or administrator also has to address any tax problems and pay any income or inheritance taxes due.

For example, Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax on property transferred through an estate, except for life insurance proceeds. Rates vary based on the relationship between the decedent and beneficiary:

0% — spouses and charities

4.5% — lineal descendants (parents, children, grandchildren )

12% — siblings

15% — anyone else

Federal inheritance taxes may also apply. Since the 2022 federal estate exemption is $12.1 million, your estate will not be affected unless it exceeds the exemption amount. Whether you have inherited some money or you want to plan for the future so your heirs can avoid unnecessary taxation, experienced probate lawyers can help you develop the right strategy moving forward.

We Can Help with Estate Administration Issues

Probate and Estate Administration in Chester County, PASomeone will take charge of your estate after you are gone. Dying without a will or trust means your estate will pass according to Pennsylvania state intestacy laws, without regard to your individual preferences. Leaving a will or trust allows you to direct how you want your assets to be distributed and provisions are included to protect your heirs. Estate administration lawyers can help you write a will, set up a trust, or deal with the probate process if you are the executor of someone else’s estate.

At Slutsky Elder Law, we often help clients safeguard their futures through powers of attorney, estate planning, and guardianship proceedings. Robert Slutsky has been serving clients in Montgomery County, PA and the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area for 30 years, If you have inherited money or you are the executor of an estate, Elder Care Attorney Rob Slutsky is the best choice to advise you.

Estate Administration Lawyer Serving Chester County & Delaware County, PA

When you have inherited assets or you have been entrusted to administer someone else’s estate, you no doubt will have a lot of questions. You don’t have to do it on your own; a probate attorney like Robert Slutsky has all the answers you need. As a Montgomery County, PA probate attorney for three decades, he has seen it all and he is ready to put his experience to work for you. Other probate lawyers and estate administration lawyers may not have the same level of experience or familiarity with the Chester County, PA area. If you are looking at probate lawyers in the Delaware County, PA area, you don’t need to call anyone other than Robert Slutsky. Get in touch with Rob today for a top probate attorney near Philadelphia or to work with an estate planning lawyer in Chester County, PA. today!

Susan McLintock
2023-01-11
Slutsky Elder Law Firm was first recommended to me by a member of my uncle's Hospice team, and I can fully understand why. Rob and his staff were wonderful to deal with, from the first moment I got in touch with them. Rob helped guide us through complex issues during a difficult/frustrating time, while always putting the needs of my elderly uncle first. Everyone was very knowledgeable and responsive to any questions that we had. They were also patient and understanding with what needed to be explained. I would highly recommend Slutsky Elder Law Firm!
Patty Ewing
2022-06-29
From the first initial contact to Robert, I explained my situation to him about my dad who has alzheimers and was concerned about his house. I had filed for medicaid without first consulting and never read the fine print, he was very compassionate, caring and very knowledgeable of the Elder care law, he assured me things would be ok. He made the transfer of the home very easy, He was always there to answer all my questions and concerns, I learned a very valuable lesson, before you consider filling out medicaid, or placing parents in a home please cosider consulting with Robert Slutsky, He made it very less stressful on myself and my father, I cant thank him enough,
Mindy Mozenter
2021-06-07
I have had such positive exeriences referring friends and family to Slutsky Elder Law. I can't thank him enough for all his does for the Aging folks in our community.
Mystoffelees
2021-05-08
My wife and I had been caring for my father, who was suffering from dementia. Eventually he became ill enough to require a full time care facility, and we needed to apply for Medicaid to cover the cost. His financial situation was extremely complex and we knew we would need help navigating the process, so we turned to Slutsky Elder Law for assistance. From start to finish, Mr. Slutsky stayed with us and was able to successfully get him covered. We would never have been able to do this on our own. I would definitely recommend Slutsky Elder Law to anyone seeking assistance in these matters.
Alan Prushan
2021-05-06
Rob... Is a highly knowledgable and connected attorney in the Elder Care space. He provided our family with excellent strategies for elder care and asset protection. His contacts in the right places enabled us to effectively transfer an asset that had been in process for years. Rob is a caring individual who is empathetic and understanding of the emotions families deal with it addressing elder care issues. I highly recommend Rob and Slutsky Elder Law.
Allison Ballantine
2021-02-14
We had an incredibly positive experience. The office was patient and extremely well organized. We felt like Robert had all the knowledge, along with a sense of humor and great manner we were looking for as we navigated some complex issues.
Leona Mangol
2020-12-24
From the time of our initial contact with Robert Slutsky, Esq., we found him to be extraordinarily knowledgeable about all aspects of planning needed tied to asset protection and special needs as they relate to placement of my husband in a nursing home. In an early meeting, Mr. Slutsky was able to outline what I needed to gather as background material, as well as other issues that might require more discovery on my part. And, as the weeks passed, I was able to gather what was needed - for a full review with Mr. Slutsky, after which we put in place a planned target date as plans moved along. His wide overall knowledge of overarching Elder Law Issues enabled my son and I to capture a greater understanding of its broad and overarching aspects. Mr. Slutsky, along with his knowledgeable paralegal staff, gave great assistance with our needs and made our journey on this road much easier to handle. For all he does, and for all they do, I am eternally grateful.
Rosebud
2020-11-11
My experience with Elder Lawyer, Robert Slutsky was nothing but positive. Mr. Slutsky was always available to answer my questions and concerns. He was compassionate and understanding during the most stressful decisions regarding the care of my husband. His advice, guidance and patience helped me the most. Mr. Slutsky understood the emotional stress and was always able to comfort me as well as give the best advice regarding the right decisions for my husband and me. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an Elder Lawyer; Mr. Slutsky will guide and give the best advice regarding your situation. I am most grateful I had Mr. Slutsky to help me with the care of my husband.
laura murphy
2020-04-03
Attorney Rob Slutsky is outstanding in every way, in not only meeting, but surpassing all expectations I had for an elder law attorney. Last year, when relatives tried to take away my long ago granted power of attorney over my incapacitated husband's affairs, Rob stepped in immediately to file an emergency petition for guardianship. He is always careful to follow ethical guidelines at all times, (which I can say as a retired lawyer, is becoming rarer and rarer in the legal profession). Mr. Slutsky negotiated a fair and reasonable settlement on behalf of me and my husband. He has excellent professional connections who give advice on all aspects of elder law and care, and he guided me to several superb liaisons to help me with difficult decisions. It is impossible for me to lavish enough praise for Mr. Slutsky's acumen, experience and immediate response to my and my husband's needs. I am very grateful to have found him to help me and my husband when we were most in need of legal advice. I can recommend his services without reservation.
Carmen Verrilli
2020-03-23
Slutsky Elder Law was highly recommended to me by the Elder care program my mother was using. She wanted to take care of things ahead of time. Because my mother couldn't travel well, Mr. Slutsky came to her house. In less then 10 minutes, it was like having an old friend over. He made both my mother and myself feel very comfortable about what could be an uncomfortable situation. His recommendation and explanations made sense and he made sure both my mother and me completely understood all the details. When he left, we had a full understanding and knew exactly what was being done. Unfortunately, four months later my mother suffered a debilitating stroke. As she was on life support for a few days, I reached out to Robert and he again helped me through a most difficult time. He also assisted with the estate settlement and made the process very smooth. Handling all the details with the city, even meeting me at the Register of Wills Office to make sure I understood everything. Robert and his staff were always there when I needed them, always had an answer to my questions, always were very understanding and compassionate. The entire office was nothing but professional and most helpful. I wish more businesses operated like them.
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