When a loved one has passed away, there are many steps to be taken to conclude his or her affairs honorably, fairly, lawfully and efficiently by using an inheritance attorney. "Estate administration" means completing all the necessary tasks for this purpose.

"Probate" is the process of dividing a person's estate under the supervision of the appropriate court, if needed. The primary goal of probate is to execute prompt, efficient and smooth transfer of estate assets in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and applicable laws.

At the law firm of Marks Elder Law, we provide probate and estate administration services to diverse clients residing in Pittsburgh and all of Allegheny and Westmoreland County, and elsewhere in Pennsylvania. We also serve many out-of-state heirs who have been appointed as representatives of Pennsylvania estates. Our experienced Pennsylvania probate attorneys can provide either basic assistance or full-service handling of estates, including independent administrations and small estate affidavits.

Experienced Legal Counsel Can Ease the Stress and Burdens of the Probate Process

Probate in Pennsylvania is often a fairly simple legal process with the assistance of an experienced probate attorney — but it is a completely unfamiliar process that can be intimidating for any nonlawyer. AARP offers an excellent checklist on "What To Do When Death Occurs".

Probate is an emotional process for people who are grieving, and our constant mission is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. When potential disputes and other challenges arise, our estate administration attorneys adapt quickly and focus on vigorously protecting our clients' financial and personal interests. We will guide you through all the duties and obstacles, including:

• Opening the estate and proving the will
• "Probate Estate" paperwork in the probate court;
• Inventory and valuation of assets
• Paying creditors of the estate
• Filing PA Inheritance Tax and sometimes Federal Estate Tax;
• Assessing income tax issues affecting the decedent, the Estate and the beneficiaries or heirs;
• Distributing assets to heirs
• Accounting for all the transactions and financial results.
• Ongoing trust administration

If you are not a Pennsylvania resident but were named as the executor or personal representative, we can take on most of the work. You can still be the primary point person and decision-maker from afar, while we handle the details so that you do not have to make numerous trips to Pittsburgh. Our services also include administration of living trusts and bypass trusts.

The probate attorneys at Marks Elder Law in Pittsburgh can help and advise you throughout every stage of the estate administration process in Western Pennsylvania.

The skilled attorneys at Marks Elder Law have the experience needed to assist you in every aspect of these activities. If you are interested in meeting with a estate administration attorney in Pittsburgh, contact Marks Elder Law today. We help families in need in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Beaver, Butler, Armstrong and other nearby counties.

Please slao see our Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
and the Process for Administering an Estate.