<> LEARN MORE ESTATE SETTLEMENT Through our Estate Settlement service our team can assist you in administering your trust or the trust of a loved one who is experiencing a period of disability. Life insurance is exempt. Opening the estate can be as simple as taking the will to the probate court clerk and filing it. '�iܢXo6�[��:Js��9�8$EJ�m��V���Ù��������f����f�a��8_���~������n�zsyu�����'ON�����3Z��c����#ZT�-$#���v������QU\��Wov%�V��^�R� The Pennsylvania small estate affidavit is for use when a decedent has died with $50,000 or less value in personal property assets excluding real estate. IRA accounts, annuities and “in trust for” accounts, if any, are fully taxable. Select and hire an attorney to assist the executor. A health care agent is an individual who will be given the authority to make decisions regarding medical treatment if the principal becomes incapacitated. Notify banks of the death and change information for any jointly held accounts. 7. For the principal to ensure that their assets are distributed to their beneficiaries when they die, they must execute an estate transfer document that is the legally recognized in the state. 11.4.1 Benefits of estate planning; 11.4.2 If you don't plan; 11.4.3 The main methods of estate planning; 11.4.4 Complex estates; 11.4.5 When you can't act for yourself; 11.4.6 Estate planning case studies; 11.4.7 Estate planning checklist; 11.4.8 Summary of key messages Notice is also needed to be given Elizabeth Haase, a Washington, D.C., psychologist, says administering a friend's estate was like a second job. For example, the deceased may not have left a will, a court found the will invalid, or the will failed to name an executor. Initial Procedures. Within Nine Months of Death. Open an estate bank account to hold money that is owed to the deceased, such as real estate rental checks and stock dividends. Andrine Redsteer's writing on tribal gaming has been published in "The Guardian" and she continues to write about reservation economic development. When an individual wishes to start planning for the distribution of their estate after they die, they will need to begin by making a list of their current assets and property. Without it the state's intestate laws determine where your assets go. Ideally, important legal instruments should be kept in a fire and water-proof safe. Notice to the Attorney General whenever proceeding affecting or involving a charitable interest in the Orphan's Court. If you’re named the executor (also called a personal representative), take a look at this checklist for executing a … Copies of these signed forms can also be distributed to concerned individuals, such as family members, representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries for safe-keeping. stream The process of estate administration involves… A financial agent is an individual who has been given the power of attorney to execute legal instruments and making other decisions on the principal’s behalf, including withdrawing funds, creating a trust, and filing taxes. The more clear the principal is regarding who they will be including and excluding from their Will or Trust, the less potential there will be for disagreements and dispute amongst inheritors. Please call us for a free no obligation initial chat on 0800 3 10 11 12 Chapter 54 – Health Care (Subsections C and D). 2 0 obj ��*P���.����~7ϻ���㣧�[���ej ��۹R��q%��Ӑ�)����T�����Mq�)4�oG���cSIZ6��:#��?��)����W��/��8-��k�����O��C��N��v�!���i���ے6�3}��d�\�������D�(��yɺ�K� ���}���W%�F4����=�_��d���\�Z^05t��B���7�[��� ��&F��kӨc���*�Ds�J�Nᜣ��萵6�VRUNu�=_='��";R�Y-���RN'k����Y��������%��%p��Ը. The Basic Procedure for Opening an Estate The death of a loved one is always a difficult time for family and friends. Whether due to a coma or dementia, any individual at some point may be incapable of making decisions for themselves. It can be an intimidating role, with many details to manage. However, the Supreme Court … If federal estate taxes are due, the rates are much higher. A financial agent may also be appointed in a similar fashion to a health care agent for the purpose of making financial decisions for the principal if they become incapacitated. x��[[oܶ~7����U�pŋ$ Get started Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer a Question You'll hear back in one business day. The Will must be an original. This list should include all of the principal’s real estate, personal property, financial accounts, and investments. This page is designed to help our clients gather appropriate information in order to prepare for a conference with one of the attorneys in the firm about probate proceedings and the administration of an estate. Pennsylvania inheritance tax is at 4.5 percent on property passing to children of the decedent. Rule 10.5 Eff 09 01 16 RW 09 - Inventory Eff 9 1 16 Requirements are established by state and federal laws, which must be followed. Probably it would be more accurate to say, what can slow down the administration of the estate and cause long delays before the beneficiaries receive money. When an individual is considering their options for how to handle their affairs as they approach the end of their life, it will be worthwhile for them to appoint a health care agent. A copy of a Will can only be probated after a meeting with the Register of Wills. Estate Recovery Program P.O. By appointing a health care agent, individuals can rest assured knowi… There is a five-percent discount on inheritance tax for any payments made within three months after death, which reduces the effective rate on gifts to 4.275 percent. The individual named as executor in the will typically takes care of this task.. In the document, the principal will be able to express their wishes regarding health care treatments and other medical decisions. Prepare and file Pennsylvania inheritance tax return. Estate administration is typically conducted more effectively and efficiently with the assistance of legal counsel. Determine whether the estate qualifies for "special use valuation" under the tax laws (IRC §2032A), the qualified family-owned business interest deduction (IRC §2057), or deferral of estate taxes (IRC §§ 6161 or 6166). Closing the Estate and Distribution At a certain point in the administration, the estate will be ready to make distribution of its remaining assets. It’s a list that spouses and descendants of a decedent have a hard time reviewing, as they’re struggling with the loss of a loved one and need time to grieve. 3 0 obj If the decedent died without a will, whether you will receive Our support agents are standing by to assist you. The decedent's estate planning documents may include a Last Will and Testament, funeral, cremation, burial or memorial instructions, and/or a Revocable Living Trust. endobj Contact Gregory J. Spadea in Ridley Park, PA at 610-521-0604 if you need help probating an estate or have any questions about your duty as an executor. S ESTATE ESTATE OF, DECEASED PREPARER: ATTORNEY/ACCOUNTANT TELEPHONE NUMBER O.C. Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. Obtain and review last wills and testaments as well as codicils. It is recommended to consult a professional attorney before executing any of these legal instruments. The below guide briefly describes some of the steps and forms that can be followed to get started on planning for the future. I. Rule 10.5 . 4 0 obj %PDF-1.5 Before being appointed to serve as a personal representative or executor, the first step in probating an estate is to locate all of the decedent's estate planning documents and other important papers.. Durable Power of Attorney – The principal can appoint their financial agent using the Durable Power of Attorney form on which they may specify the scope of the agent’s powers. In accordance with § 5601.1 and §5.604, all powers of attorney in the State are considered “durable” unless the principal explicitly states the opposite on their Power of Attorney form. First, the executor or administrator can prepare a Family Settlement Agreement. give legal advice. Free consultations with our PA Estate Attorneys; 215-790-1095. Miscellaneous administration expenses: Pay any other unpaid expenses of administration, including to other professionals and the court. “Administering an Estate in Pennsylvania: The Basics “ Lesley M. Mehalick, J.D., LL.M. 1 0 obj Gather information. Prepare and file inventory of estate with Register of Wills. Each of these legal documents, once executed, must be kept in a secure place that is accessible to the principal’s representatives and other trusted individuals to ensure that it is on hand when the time comes. Rule 5.6 Notice to Beneficiaries and Intestate Heirs ; Writer Bio. After the principal dies, the ownership of their property will be transferred to these beneficiaries according to the principal’s specifications. In a series of cases, culminating in Wallis Estate, 421 Pa. 104, 218 A.2d 732 (1966), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court approved a general rule that an executor's fees of 3% of the estate under administration was "prima facie fair and reasonable." Notify Medicare of the death. By appointing a health care agent, individuals can rest assured knowing that their best interests will be taken into account. Notify the Social Security Administration of the death. A health care agent is an individual who will be given the authority to make decisions regarding medical treatment if the principal becomes incapacitated. %���� These documents include, but are not limited to … 1. An estate might not have an executor for various reasons. Joint accounts that were made joint more than one year before death are taxed at one-half of value. Overview of the various fees encountered in probate & estate administration in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania estate planning checklist contains information and links to forms that can be used to make preparations for the distribution of an individual’s property after death, as well as their possible physical or mental incapacity. Estate administration is an orderly process that is designed to insure that the will of the decedent is carried out and the interest of all parties to the process are protected. <>>> NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PURSUANT TO Pa. O.C. To create a trust for the principal’s benefit; To make additions to an existing trust for the principal’s benefit; To claim an elective share of the estate of the principal’s deceased spouse; To withdraw and receive the income or corpus of a trust; To engage in tangible personal property transactions; To engage in stock, bond, and other securities transactions; To engage in commodity and option transactions; To engage in banking and financial transactions; To engage in insurance and annuity transactions; To engage in retirement plan transactions; To handle interests in estates and trusts; To provide for personal and family maintenance. When someone passes away, everything that person owned becomes his or her estate. The principal may also appoint an alternative health care agent in case the first agent is unavailable when the time comes for them to assume their role. In general terms, the process of administering a decedent’s estate involves collecting all assets, locating all creditors, paying all debts, paying all applicable taxes, and then distributing the remaining… While they are still alive, the settlor can maintain control of their property as Trustee and when they die, their estate will be distributed as instructed in the Trust document. I. RUNSTUDIO / Getty Images. Estate Administration Checklist As an executor or administrator, administrating an estate can be a complicated affair. Collect debts due the decedent. We also have a choice over how that legacy will be passed on. When an individual is considering their options for how to handle their affairs as they approach the end of their life, it will be worthwhile for them to appoint a health care agent. She wanted to honor her friend's dying wishes by being executor but felt guilty about accepting payment. Establish an estate bank account. However, it remains important to properly prepare for such eventualities, not only for the best interests of the implicated individual but for their family and loved ones who will be directly affected by their passing or incapacitation. THIS NOTICE DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE ANY MONEY OR PROPERTY FROM THIS ESTATE OR OTHERWISE Whether you will receive any money or property will be determined wholly or partly by the decedent’s will. This process is called Estate Administration. RW 07 - Notice of Estate Administration Pursuant To Pa. O.C. �NҦm. To make a Living Trust, the principal (called the settlor) will need to transfer the ownership of their property to a separate entity (the Trust). NUMBER ADDRESS INSTRUCTIONS: Persons wishing to file an account must first complete this form, indicating in ^preparer_ column (YES or N/A) whether the items listed are included in the audit papers and/or the account. The “Estate Administration Checklist” sets forth the steps that need to be taken to ensure that an estate is administered in a professional and efficient manner. Handle day-to-day details, such as terminating leases and other outstanding contracts, and notifying banks and government agencies -- for example, the Social Security Administration, the post office, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs -- of the death. Any funds set aside, which should be minimal at this point, should be kept in a non-interest bearing account to avoid having to recalculate the estate income tax for very small earnings or file another year’s return to satisfy the IRS. <> We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Box 8486 - Willow Oak Building Harrisburg, PA 17105-8486 _____ 8. Estimate cash needed to pay debts and taxes, and plan for any sales of assets needed to distribute estate. Signing Requirements (§ 5452 and § 5471) – To be considered valid, the principal and two (2) witnesses must sign the Health Care Power of Attorney form. Most of us have an estate, a legacy we leave to our families. Yet at least one extended relative balked at her taking the fee specified in the will — 2 percent of the estate's value. Create a high quality document online now! Generally, Estate Administration is not quite like a contested court case, in which there is a winner and a loser (and sometimes in court cases, both sides feel as if they had lost). At Seatons, we aim to make this process as smooth as possible to ensure the administration gets carried out lawfully and effectively. It is also recommended to have a notary public sign as well. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROBATING OR OPENING AN ESTATE PRESENTING A WILL (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration C.T.A.) Whether due to a coma or dementia, any individual at some point may be incapable of making decisions for themselves. If we choose to do nothing, we are choosing to allow the State to administer our estate and to determine who receives our legacy. The court will most likely schedule a brief hearing, officially appointing him as executor of the estate and giving him a document commonly known as "letters testamentary." The Personal Representative and the estate attorney will need to locate and produce documentation that will be needed for the estate inventory, inheritance tax return, and the estate Account. Documents Needed For Proper Estate Administration in PA. The executor is responsible for closing out the deceased’s estate and carrying out the will. Kentucky Executor Checklist. Receipt of Letter from PA Department of Public Welfare _____ 9. By making a Current Assets List, the principal ensures that none of their property and accounts are left out of their Will or Trust. Last Will and Testament – A Will is a legal document by which the principal (called the testator) can leave their final instructions on how their estate should be divided. The Health Care Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney serve the latter purpose, while the Last Will and Testament or Living Trust are used to plan the administration of an individual’s estate. No forms or final decisions as to value need be mad… Shortly after an individual’s death, the decedent’s family and friends will need to determine how to handle the many issues involved in the administration of the estate. It can only be used 60 days after a decedent has passed away and it may only be used by the first successor, whether it be a spouse, or a child, if there is not spouse, or a parent. Ciaran Griffin / Getty Images. Executing legal documents that deal with an individual’s eventual death and the possibility of a medical emergency is often a laborious process. Estate Administration Meeting Preparation Checklist Probate and Estate Administration Conference Preparation Checklist. Here is a checklist to help executors through the estate administration process. If the Will is not self-proving, witness Rule 10.5 Eff 09 01 16 RW 08 - Certification of Notice Under Pa. O.C. A helpful checklist on how to settle a Living Trust Estate. endobj This article and video explain the best practices for Pennsylvania residents who want to get a will and related estate planning documents The two (2) options that are most commonly used to plan the administration of an individual’s estate are provided below. If an estate is subject to federal estate tax, it may also be subject to Pennsylvania estate tax. Prepare and file federal estate tax return (if needed). © 2020 Electronic Forms LLC. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 9 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> After the principal dies, the Will must pass through probate court before the principal’s estate can be distributed. Beneficiaries are the individuals who the principal names as the inheritors of their estate. ... Estate Administration in Pennsylvania ; Daniel B. Evans: Pa. O.C. Court administration proceedings establish who inherits the estate based on the … endobj Getting A Will is an important start to any good estate plan. Health Care Power of Attorney – This form is used to appoint a health care agent for the principal. All rights reserved. Revocable Living Trust – A Trust is often chosen as an alternative to a Will because the estate of a Trust does not need to pass through probate court before being distributed. Administration includes procedures and requirements relating to collecting of assets, satisfying of obligations such as debts, expenses and taxes, and distributing property to the heirs and beneficiaries. Please be aware that our agents are not licensed attorneys and cannot address legal questions.