Bradley Law Firm
Estate Administration


You don't have to navigate probate alone.


We understand the difficulties that come with probate administration, especially when combined with the grieving process. That's why we're here to provide the support and guidance you need to make it through this challenging time.


A skilled probate attorney can assist with all aspects of probate administration, including:

  • Determining if formal or informal probate is necessary
  • Locating and collecting assets
  • Paying debts and taxes in accordance with applicable laws
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the will or according to intestacy laws
  • Resolving disputes in accordance with probate court rules
  • Ensuring compliance with all legal requirements for probate administration


With the help of a probate attorney, you don't have to navigate probate alone. Our attorneys will ensure that your loved one's estate is settled according to their wishes and that your interests are protected under the law. We'll be there to guide you every step of the way, giving you the space and support you need to grieve and heal.


Let us help make the probate process as stress-free as possible. Contact us today or call 817-645-3993 (Texas) or 412-533-2620 (Pennsylvania) for a consultation and find out how our compassionate and experienced probate attorneys can help you through this difficult time.


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  • What is estate administration?

    Estate administration is the legal process for transferring ownership of a decedent's assets to their legal heirs or beneficiaries named in their will, paying estate debts, and filing estate tax returns. 

  • Where do you probate a will?

    In Pennsylvania and Texas, a will is probated in the state and county where the decident resided when he or she died. Sometimes the will must be probated in another state and county if the decedent owned real estate there, but did not reside there. 

  • How long does probate take?

    There is no set time limit for an estate's probate. The time depends on the complexity of the estate and parties involved. Plan on average for about a year, sometimes more. We will help you through the process as efficiently as possible. 

  • What are an executor or administrator's responsibilities?

    An executor (or administrator, if the decedent had no will) is charged with marshalling and protecting the estate's assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries named in a will or if there is no will, the decedent's legal heirs. He or she handles all filings with the clerk or register of wills, filing accounts, payment of debts, and filing tax returns.  

  • What if the decedent had no will?

    If the decent had no will, an administrator can be appointed to settle the estate. Typically the administrator is a family member of the decedent or other trusted party. 

  • What is intestate succession?

    Intestate succession refers to how a person's estate is distributed when they die without a will. Each state has its own intestate succession statute. which sets out who inherits, and in what order of priority. 

  • Does an estate pay taxes?

    Depending on where the decedent died, the estate may have to pay state inheritance taxes. Large estates with values over the federal estate tax exemption amount need to pay the federal estate tax. 

  • What does the probate process look like?

    The process is different for each state. Most begin with an application for letters testamentary or letters of administration, the filing of an inventory of all probate assets, an inheritance tax return, an accounting, and a final statutus report closing the estate. An executor will spend a substantial amount of time transferring ownership of assets and dealing with third parties such as banks, real estate appraisers, life insurance companies, and so forth. To prevent the process from becoming overwhelming, it is recommended that the administrator or executor seek guidance from an experienced estate attorney. 

Ancillary Probate Administration

When a loved one dies owning real estate or mineral interests in a state where he or she did not live, an ancillary probate administration may be required to transfer ownership to the beneficiaries named in a will or the legal intestate heirs.


We help administrators and executors with ancillary probates in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.



Learn More about Ancillary Probate

Estates and

Trusts Litigation

We help fiduciaries and beneficiaries with probate litigation, including will contests, inheritance disputes, trusts disputes, accountings, and more.

Guardianships of Minors or Incapacitated Persons

If a loved one is incapacitated or a child needs a legal guardian appointed to handle his or her affairs, we can help you petition the court for guardianship.

Mineral Rights Administration

Our probate attorneys are uniquely qualified to assist individuals with the estates of decedents who owned oil, gas, and mineral rights.

Resources

How will your estate pass if you don't have a will? Learn more about intestate descent in Pennsylvania by downloading our PA intestate succession chart.

Download PA Intestate Succession Chart
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