Asset Administration in Cranberry Township Probate

If your loved one recently passed away and has a will as their primary estate plan, it will need to go through the probate process.  If there is a will, the court will appoint the executor of the will. If not, they will name a personal representative. An experienced probate attorney can help you understand these roles and guide you through asset administration in Cranberry Township probate.

What Happens Before Asset Distribution

The asset administration process in Cranberry Township probate can be complicated. Its duration and structure depend on the type of assets involved and the intentions of beneficiaries.

The first step is to file a petition for probate. If your loved one had a will and named an executor, they will file the petition. If not, a close family member can do that. They will likely be appointed as the will executor or administrator.

The executor or administrator would have to:

• Determine asset value
• Pay off debts and taxes

The next step is to distribute the assets according to the will or the intestacy law. However, at this point, conflicts between beneficiaries and heirs may arise. This could delay the process.

Locating Beneficiaries

To administer assets, the executor or administrator must locate all the beneficiaries and notify them about probate. If they do not come forward immediately, it can delay the administration process.

The search may involve sifting through records and contacting relatives. Some beneficiaries move to other states or countries, complicating the process further.  

An estate planning attorney can help track down missing beneficiaries and ensure proper notification.

Handling Beneficiary and Heir Conflicts

Beneficiary conflicts are a common element of asset administration in probate. Some examples of  such disputes in Cranberry Township are:

• Disputes Over the Validity of the Will: Beneficiaries may challenge whether the will was properly executed or claim that the deceased was under pressure when creating it.
• Unequal Distribution of Assets: Tension can arise when beneficiaries feel the will favors certain heirs over others.
• Executor Mismanagement: Heirs may accuse the executor of mishandling estate funds or delaying distributions.
• Unclear or Missing Instructions in the Will: If the will is vague or silent on certain assets, beneficiaries may interpret the deceased’s intentions differently.
• Disputes Over Personal Property: Sentimental items often cause conflict even when their monetary value is low.
• Claims from Non-Family Members: Friends, caretakers, or distant relatives may assert they were promised a share of the estate.
• Creditor or Debt Issues: Beneficiaries may argue over whether certain debts are legitimate.

An estate planning attorney can help the executor or administrator understand the nature of such conflicts and offer advice on solving them.

Discuss the Asset Administration in Cranberry Township Probate With an Experienced Attorney

If you need assistance dealing with asset administration in Cranberry Township probate, you have to work with a qualified estate planning attorney. They can help with many aspects of the probate process, including filing for probate, valuing the estate, locating beneficiaries, and much more.

At Sechler Law Firm, LLC, we have decades of combined experience helping families in Cranberry Township handle probate. Whether you are an executor of a will, an administrator, or a beneficiary, we’ll be happy to provide an extensive consultation. Contact us to discuss your situation today.