Practice Areas

• Medicaid
• Living Trusts
• Estate Administration and Probate
• Asset Protection
• Veterans Benefits
• Special Needs Trust

Blog

Estate Administration and Probate

• Finding Tips On Estate Planning at the Theatre
• Update on the Status of Federal Estate Tax
• Michael Jackson Estate Makes Land Mark Estate Deal With Sony
• The Governator Says Health Reform Will "Beat Up" California
• When a will isn’t enough

view all

News

• The Growing Rate of Dementia and Alzheimer's...
  Posted on 3/9/2010
• Let it snow! Pittsburgh Extends Property Tax Deadline...
  Posted on 2/9/2010
• Estate Tax, Medicaid, Social Security Changes Ring In New Year...
  Posted on 1/13/2010
• Main beneficiary to Michael Jackson’s estate shakes up her probate team...
  Posted on 10/22/2009
• Illinois Supreme Court upholds will restricting inheritance based on religion...
  Posted on 9/30/2009

view all

Library

Estate Administration and Probate

• When Pennsylvania Estate Recovery Can Take Place By Law
• Joint Bank Accounts - Risks and Benefits
• Guidelines for Gifts and Joint Accounts
• Intestacy Laws Of Pa: Dangers of Not Having a Current Living Will
• Drafting Wills That Protect Clients' Interests: Every situation is different, which is why we select vehicles that meets each client's needs

view all

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My father died and I don’t communicate with my stepmother.  Do I still have a right to see his will?

A: After your father died an executor would have been named for his estate.  The executor will have to file for probate, most likely in the county where your father lived.  You don’t have to ask your stepmother if you can read the will; you just have to visit the courthouse to view it.

However, if your father’s wife refuses to probate the will you can apply to the court and force her to begin the probate process.  Keep in mind when making your decision that there will be a cost associated with going to court.

Lastly, much of your father’s estate may have passed directly to his beneficiaries when he died.  There are assets that pass on outside of the terms of a will, and can include life insurance, retirement savings, annuities, joint bank or investment accounts.  These items will not appear in the will.

Special Report

Order our Pennsylvania Elder Law Attorney's Guide To Alzheimer's Care

See All

questions

Estate Administration and Probate

• When Can Estate Recovery Take Place By Law?
• Do witnesses have to actually witness the signing?
• What is a reasonable attorney fee for probating an Estate?

view all