PA probate procedure what is an affidavit of small estate

As your father was a resident of Philadelphia, you will have to go to the Register of Wills office in City Hall to file paperwork to become administrator of the estate. Since you are not a Pennsylvania resident, they might require you require you to post a bond, which is a pain in the neck.

I don't see how why the insurance company won't just take a death certificate to allow you to change ownership of the policy on your life. Each company seems to have its own ridiculous procedures.

Debts only need to be paid to the extent there are probate assets, such as a house, a car, individually-owned bank accounts, bonds or CD's, etc. This means that, generally, insurance proceeds pay directly to beneficiary and bypass creditors, who can make no claim on the proceeds. Moreover, you especially should have no worry about creditors because there are no insurance proceeds even going to your father because YOU are the insured and are alive and well! A beneficiary who predeceases the insured cannot gain a penny.

My office is just outside Philadelphia in Jenkintown. Should you need assistance, feel free to give me a call.

Barry J. Dubrow, Esq.
215-886-1234

Dubrow, P.C.
The Pavilion, Suite 514
261 Old York Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046