Estate Administration & Probate
Probate and Estate Administration Attorney in Pittsburgh
When a person dies, someone must step forward to handle the legal and financial affairs of the estate. In Pennsylvania, that responsibility falls on the executor named in the will or on an administrator appointed by the Register of Wills. Estate administration involves identifying and protecting assets, addressing debts and taxes, and distributing property according to Pennsylvania law. Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A. represents executors, administrators, trustees, and families throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in probate and estate administration matters. Stephen H. Lebovitz has guided Western Pennsylvania families through estate administration for more than three decades.
The firm’s work includes opening estates, preparing inheritance tax returns, transferring real estate, coordinating distributions, and resolving disputes in the Orphans’ Court Division when disagreements arise. Many estates involve assets that require careful coordination — family homes, rental property, investment accounts, and closely held businesses. We guide fiduciaries through the required procedures and deadlines so the estate can be administered correctly and the fiduciary’s obligations are properly fulfilled.
An executor or administrator carries legal responsibility. Pennsylvania inheritance tax returns are due nine months after death. Creditor notice requirements run on their own timeline. Mistakes during administration can expose a fiduciary to personal liability.
Executors and administrators who proceed without legal guidance take on that exposure alone. Real estate transfers require proper deeds and title review Pennsylvania does not allow transfer on death deeds, so proper titling before death is essential.. Business interests may impose valuation requirements or transfer restrictions. If you have been named executor and are not sure where to start, call 412-351-4422.
Probate and Estate Administration in Western Pennsylvania
Estate administration is the legal process that follows a death. It includes probating a will, appointing a fiduciary, identifying and valuing assets, addressing creditor claims, resolving tax obligations, and distributing property according to Pennsylvania law. When handled properly, the process proceeds in an orderly manner. When handled informally, estates can become delayed, disputes may arise, and fiduciaries may face unnecessary exposure.
For broader estate planning questions before a death occurs — including wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and inheritance tax planning — see our Estate Planning and Probate overview. For quick answers on probate timelines, executor duties, and what happens without a will, see our Probate and Estate Administration FAQs.
Estates Involving Real Estate
Real estate is often the most significant asset in a Pennsylvania estate. Administration may require fiduciary deeds, coordination with title companies, resolution of ownership issues, or sale of property before distribution. In some cases the estate must resolve co-ownership issues or occupancy disputes before distributions can be completed. Real estate in the estate also triggers specific inheritance tax valuation requirements — the property must be reported at fair market value as of the date of death.
Many inherited property disputes begin with unclear title, informal family transfers, or estates that were never properly administered. When the property carries a mortgage, the obligation does not end at death, and the executor must address payments during administration. See what happens to a mortgage after the owner dies. These situations often require both probate coordination and real estate title work. For the broader real estate framework, see our Real Estate Law hub and our inherited property and family real estate page.
Estates Involving Business Interests
Closely held businesses frequently require additional coordination during estate administration. Partnership agreements, operating agreements, and shareholder agreements may impose transfer restrictions, valuation procedures, or buy-sell obligations triggered by death. Administration requires entity document review, coordinated valuation, and careful sequencing of transfers. A closely held business interest must be valued at fair market value as of the date of death for inheritance tax purposes — a number that is rarely straightforward and is frequently contested.
Executors handling estates with business interests should obtain a qualified appraisal and coordinate with counsel before filing the REV-1500. The intersection of business governance documents and estate administration is addressed further on our business succession and estate planning page.
Looking for quick answers before you call
See our Probate and Estate Administration FAQs for timelines, inheritance tax basics, what happens without a will, and executor responsibilities.
Probate and Estate Administration FAQs
These questions cover the first steps, core responsibilities, and common risk points for executors and administrators in Pennsylvania. For broader estate planning questions, see our Estate Planning and Probate FAQs.
How do I open an estate in Pittsburgh after a death?
Opening an estate starts with filing the original will and petitioning for appointment through the Register of Wills to obtain Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. After appointment, the fiduciary gathers and values assets, provides required notices, addresses debts and taxes, and completes distributions under Pennsylvania law.
What is the difference between probate and estate administration?
Probate is the process of admitting a will and appointing a fiduciary. Estate administration is everything that follows: collecting assets, handling creditor claims, paying taxes and expenses, and distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs.
What are the risks for an executor or administrator in Pennsylvania?
Executors and administrators carry fiduciary duties including safeguarding assets, keeping records, meeting deadlines, paying valid debts and taxes, and making proper distributions. Missteps can lead to delay, disputes, or personal liability that survives the estate’s closing. Legal guidance at the outset reduces that risk significantly.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania intestacy law controls who inherits and who may serve as administrator. Intestate estates often require additional coordination, particularly where family relationships are complex or where real estate and business interests are involved.
How are estates with real estate handled in Pennsylvania?
Real estate in an estate requires deed preparation, title review, valuation, and coordination with lenders or buyers. In some cases the estate must resolve co-ownership issues or occupancy disputes before distributions can be completed.
How are estates with business interests handled?
Closely held businesses, partnership interests, or shareholder agreements may impose transfer restrictions, valuation methods, or buy-sell obligations. Administration requires entity document review, coordinated valuation, and careful sequencing of transfers.
How long does probate take in Pennsylvania?
Timing depends on asset complexity, creditor issues, tax filings, and beneficiary coordination. Straightforward administrations move efficiently. Complex assets, real estate sales, or disputes extend the timeline. Pennsylvania inheritance tax returns are due nine months after death regardless of other timelines. For a phase-by-phase breakdown of what drives the timeline, see how long probate takes in Pennsylvania.
Does Lebovitz and Lebovitz handle contested estates and Orphans Court matters?
Yes. When disputes arise involving fiduciary conduct, will contests, distribution disagreements, or creditor claims, we evaluate the fastest path to resolution and litigate in Orphans Court when necessary.
Does estate administration apply to wrongful death cases?
Yes. When a death results from negligence, the survival action recovery passes through the estate. Pennsylvania inheritance tax applies to survival action proceeds. The estate must be properly administered before distribution can occur. Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A. handles both the wrongful death and survival action litigation and the estate administration in one representation.
For guidance on estate planning before a death occurs, including wills, powers of attorney, and inheritance tax planning, see our Estate Planning and Probate overview and our Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax page. For how deed structure controls whether real estate goes through probate, see Does real estate go through probate in Pennsylvania? For a complete overview of what beneficiaries are entitled to demand and enforce during administration, see our page on beneficiary rights in Pennsylvania.