Resources
Three of the questions clients ask most — what to choose, what to expect, and what to gather — answered in plain English.
Comparison
Both move assets to the people you choose. They do it differently — and most Pennsylvania families benefit from a will at minimum, with a trust added when circumstances call for it.
Timeline
Most estates settle in 9 to 18 months. Contact an attorney within the first two weeks — early steps protect heirs and preserve tax discounts.
01
Week 1–2
Find the original will, gather the death certificate, and file the petition with the Register of Wills in the county of residence. Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued.
02
Month 1–3
Provide statutory notice to heirs and beneficiaries. Identify and value real estate, accounts, retirement plans, and personal property. Open an estate bank account.
03
Month 3–9
Settle creditor claims, file the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return (REV-1500) within 9 months, and any required federal returns. Discounts apply if tax is paid within 3 months.
04
Month 9–18
Prepare an accounting (formal or informal), obtain releases from beneficiaries, distribute remaining assets, and close the estate.
Checklist
Bring as much of this as you can to your first meeting. Anything missing, we'll work through together.
FAQ
Don't see yours? Send a note from the contact page or call (223) 488-9419.