Jeremy Adam Wechsler's Answers

Assets not listed in will?

Sounds like there is no specific gift in the will regarding the ring, which could be a problem. It would be difficult to prove that your grandmother orally promised you the ring, particularly since there is a will that I'm assuming is silent on this issue. Therefore, you would likely have a heavy burden of proof, whereas your mother could make a good case that she, as the executor, is simply administering the estate in such a way as to follow the will and the law.

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Parents of two minors died who are the guardians, the grandparents or elder half sisters

Was there a will nominating guardians for the minors? If not, is there a dispute between the grandparents/elder half sisters as to who should be guardian? Those facts will determine how to proceed. I practice estate law in Pennsylvania. You can contact my firm using the site below if you have some more questions.

How do I register the will and set up an estate after my father's death? How do we distribute to a beneficiary heir?

Sorry for the loss in your family. I would strongly suggest that you seek out an experienced estate planning/estate administration attorney licensed in Pennsylvania. Some executors, in simple cases, choose to not hire an attorney and handle the administration themselves. However, an attorney handling the matter can ensure that it is carried out properly. Regarding your question, the basic steps are that the will is first probated at the county Register of Will's office. At that point,...

Do I need a lawyer to file inheritance tax o my deceased mothers home?

I agree with the other posters. It depends on your comfort and sophistication level. However, you are not required to hire an attorney to handle your estate administration affairs. Most people do hire an attorney to make sure the administration is carried out correctly.

My dad died with significant credit card debt (about $30,000) and no assets in PA. I was the authorized user on a few accounts.

You should seek an attorney who deals with consumer protection/bankruptcy.

Do you have to establish an estate if there really are no assets and only liabilities?

A creditor may open an estate... you have no obligation to do so though. Was there a will involved?

If someone has been named the executor of an estate in Pennsylvania are they also the executor of the estate in New Jersey?

Quite simply, each state has its own probate process. An appointed executor in PA is not the appointed executor in NJ necessarily.

How can you avoid probate concerning a will?

Probate fees in Pennsylvania are not that high, relatively speaking, and often times for a simple estate, you do not need an attorney. However, once an estate is opened at the Register of Wills, you cannot avoid probate on the assets that pass through the Will.

Where do I get the Inheritance Tax form?Where do I send it?

All of the forms to complete the PA Inheritance Tax are here: http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/inheritance_tax/14695 However, you say you are unclear about what you need to do, and you should probably seek a qualified estate planning/administration attorney to assist you in your matter. Good luck.

Husband override a Wil

Your case is very fact specific. First off, the will may have several other clauses or provisions in it which could help lead you to an answer. Second off, when you say Aunt's husband "left her", did they divorce? Also, who has ownership of the property? All of these questions are vital, and I would recommend that you see an attorney immediately to sort this all out.