Estate Administration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Lancaster, PA

Estate administration is the process during which the estate of a person who has recently died is maintained and divided among his or her heirs or beneficiaries. This typically happens according to the instructions in a will, but in case there is no will, there are laws governing that situation, as well.

If the person who died made and executed a valid will in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the process of estate administration typically follows the procedures and instructions laid out in the will.

Frequently, the will appoints an executor whose job it is to oversee the administration of the will.

The executor is typically whoever stands to obtain the most money or property if the will is given effect, since that is the person who likely has the most incentive to do their part in seeing that the probate process plays out to completion.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If the will in Lancaster, Pennsylvania does not name an executor, or the decedent left no will to be found, the court has to appoint a person to serve as the administrator of the estate.

This is normally the person who will benefit the most if the will is executed. If there is no will (a situation identified as "intestacy"), Pennsylvania has a system of laws distributing the decedent's property to his or her closest living relative. In such a situation, the closest living relative has the most to gain from an orderly administration of the estate, so they will normally be appointed.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the person named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the Lancaster, Pennsylvania court to be the executor.

Once an executor is appointed (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to protect its interests to the fullest extent possible. They also are required to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify potential beneficiaries.

Can a Lancaster, Pennsylvania Estate Administration Attorney Help?

Some people are surprised when they find out they've been named the executor of a relative's estate. The responsibilities can seem daunting, but with the help of a knowledgeable Lancaster, Pennsylvania attorney, the process almost always goes pretty smoothly.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Lancaster

Lancaster is in Lane County, Oregon. It is right next to Harrisburg, Junction City and the Willamette River.

Some interesting facts about Lancaster is that the first post office was established here in 1858 and named "Freedom." The name was later changed to "Junction City." A popular attraction is "Woodyville," which is a house of entertainment i.e. road house started by a man named Woody. The attraction is also known as Woody's Landing. Later, Johnson Mulkey brought the property and built a small sawmill on it.

The great flood of 1862 had almost demolished the city. It slowly built itself back up.

For legal needs, residents often seek attorney services in nearby areas. Being so near to other cities and Oregon Route 99E, residents have no problem getting to where they need to be. Thus, seeking legal guidance is not a problem.

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