Estate Administration and Probate
Probate and Estate Administration in Western Pennsylvania
Estate administration is the legal process that follows a death. It is where intentions are carried out, assets are transferred, and obligations are resolved.
When administration is handled carefully, the process is orderly and efficient. When it is not, delays, disputes, and unnecessary expense often follow.
Lebovitz and Lebovitz represents executors, administrators, and families in probate and estate administration matters throughout Western Pennsylvania.
What We Handle
We assist with estate administration and probate matters, including:
- Probate of wills in Pennsylvania
- Representation of executors and administrators
- Intestate estates where no will exists
- Preparation and filing of required court documents
- Guidance on notice, creditor claims, and statutory timelines
- Distribution of estate assets
- Coordination with accountants, financial institutions, and beneficiaries
- Resolution of administrative issues that arise during probate
The Role of the Executor or Administrator
An executor or administrator is legally responsible for managing the estate. That role carries fiduciary duties and potential personal liability if handled incorrectly.
We advise fiduciaries on their obligations, help them comply with procedural requirements, and guide them through each step of the process so the estate can be administered and closed properly.
Probate When There Is a Will
When a valid will exists, probate is the process of admitting the will to the Register of Wills and carrying out its terms. Even straightforward estates require compliance with statutory procedures and deadlines.
Our role is to ensure that the will is properly probated, the executor is authorized, and the estate is administered in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
Estate Administration Without a Will
When a person dies without a will, Pennsylvania law controls who may serve as administrator and how assets are distributed.
Intestate estates often involve added complexity, particularly where family relationships are unclear or where assets require coordination across institutions.
Common Situations We See
- Executors seeking guidance on their legal responsibilities
- Families unsure how to begin the probate process
- Estates involving real estate or multiple beneficiaries
- Estates involving real estate where ownership or inheritance was never clearly addressed
- Situations where delays or confusion have already occurred
- Administration following the death of a parent or spouse
Fees and Engagement Structure
Some estate administrations can be handled on a predictable fee basis. Others require a custom engagement depending on the size of the estate, the nature of the assets, and the level of complexity involved.
We are transparent about scope and fees at the outset and focus on moving the administration forward efficiently while protecting the fiduciary and the estate.