![]() It may be necessary to review many documents (insurance policies, bills, motor vehicle titles, employee benefit information, business agreements, recent income tax returns, medical or disability insurances, bonds, stocks, and numerous other sources). It is the duty and obligation of the personal representative (executor or administrator) to protect estate assets. While the Clerks in the Register's office process various estate-related documents they are not familiar with assets and obligations of the estate which is being administered, therefore cannot advise you how to proceed or provide legal advice. While legal counsel is not required, estate administration is conducted more effectively with the assistance of legal counsel. ![]() Wills are generally accepted for probate only in the county where the decedent was legally domiciled at the time of death.Ĭan the Register of Wills guide me through estate administration or must I seek legal counsel? Witnesses to will (not necessary if will is self-proven) with valid photo ID*Ī certified English translation if will is written in a foreign languageĪ check or cash to cover probate fees (based on value of estate)Ĭan I probate in any courthouse of my convenience? What documents and persons are required to probate a will?Ī completed petition for probate and grant of letters (available online or in the Register's office)Īn original will, codicil, and/or any other related documents giving direction as to how property should be disposed upon deathĪppearance of executor(s) with valid photo ID* Under no other circumstances as defined by law will the Cumberland County Register of Wills issue a short certificate. As many short certificates as necessary may be purchased from the Register's Office after the formal opening of an estate or probate of will. Once an individual or institution has court authorization via Letters to take possession of any assets, a short certificate may be required before those assets can be released. If a short certificate is needed to liquidate or receive certain assets of a decedent, can I purchase one from the Register's office? This authority is granted by the Register of Wills in a document called Letters Testamentary after the will has been probated (or proven to be authentic). If named in a will, can I simply assume my responsibilities to carry out the terms of that will?īefore any individual or institution is legally eligible to take possession of the assets of an estate, he or she must have authorization by the Court to do so. Original wills are usually kept secure by the attorney who prepared the will, in the vault of a trust department, or in a safe deposit box belonging to the testator (person who wrote the will) or with the testator’s other important papers. In Pennsylvania, living persons do NOT have wills 'registered' and stored by the county Register of Wills. Does the Register of Wills have my will on file?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |