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Probate/Estate Administration Planning For Your Future

Probate and Estate Administration in Montgomery County

Why Choose Sallen Law for Your Estate Planning Needs

Probate can be a confusing and frustrating process, especially when you are dealing with the passing of a loved one. At Sallen Law, our Merion Station probate attorney proudly offers trusted legal support and guidance throughout the probate and estate administration process. Our team provides a holistic approach and works to ensure our strategy properly addresses all aspects of your life. We are here to answer all your questions, help you understand everything you need to know about probate and estate administration, and provide dedicated advocacy from start to finish.

What Is Probate and Estate Administration?

Probate is when the court assesses the validity of a person’s will after they die. Estate administration is the process of distributing the decedent’s estate (i.e. the assets of the person who died). If the decedent had a valid will, and no one contests it, the court will distribute assets according to the decedent’s wishes conveyed by the will. If the will is invalid, or the decedent never created a will, the court will distribute their assets according to Pennsylvania’s laws of intestate succession.

The probate process generally involves the following 5 steps:

  1. Beneficiaries or heirs receive a notification of the probate process.
  2. The probate court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate administration process. This person is called the executor if the will designated them. If there was no will, or the will did not name an executor, the person is called an administrator.
  3. The executor/administrator oversees and conducts the inventory, appraisal, and sale of assets in the estate.
  4. The executor/administrator pays off debts and taxes using the estate’s funds and any proceeds from sales.
  5. The executor/administrator distributes remaining assets among the decedent’s beneficiaries (i.e. individuals or organizations listed in the decedent’s will or trust) or heirs (if there was no will).

In some cases, probate is simpler or more complicated than these 5 steps. Beneficiaries or heirs may contest the will, file a complaint regarding the executor, administrator, or trustee’s decisions, or otherwise dispute the estate administration process. When you enlist the support of our probate lawyer at Sallen Law, she can make sure this process is as fair and stress-free as possible. She can also provide dedicated and skillful estate litigation services to protect your best interests and secure a fair resolution for everyone involved.

For more information on how our office can help, call us and schedule a free phone consultation. Our Merion Station firm can be reached at (215) 809-3900.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Sallen Law, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “My experience working with Rebecca exceeded all my expectations.”
    For me, the task of preparing a will and health directive was a necessary but uncomfortable and overwhelming task that I put off for too long. Rebecca eased my anxieties and made the planning discussions and decisions easy to understand, with all my questions and concerns thoroughly addressed. Rebecca's professionalism, caring approach and knowledge led to a great experience. I highly recommend Sallen Law, you won't be disappointed.
    Betty P.
    “Patient with my difficulties.”
    “It's been a pleasure to work with Rebecca Sallen for her in opening up my trust.”
    Amy D. - Philadelphia, PA
    “Explained the ins & outs of my options.”
    “During a pandemic, you realize that there's no time like the present to plan your estate.”
    Heather - Philadelphia, PA
    “A genuine approach to understand your needs.”
    “You can trust Rebecca to give you the confidence that you need when faced with a difficult situation.”
    Adam - Bala Cynwyd, PA
    “I recommend her strongly.”
    “She is empathetic, probes to find what really matters to you, and constructs documents that reflect your values.”
    Anonymous
    “Rebecca is simply outstanding.”
    “We feel very secure knowing that we have a comprehensive "living document" document that covers our current and future needs.”
    Ivy - Lafayette Hill, PA

Advocating for Heirs, Beneficiaries, & Personal Representatives

If you have been named the administrator or executor of an estate, we are here to help you fulfill your fiduciary duties. Many people will be depending on you to complete complex legal and financial tasks, and the consequences of breaching your duties may be severe. Our probate lawyer in Merion Station can walk you through the process from beginning to end, providing the knowledgeable counsel and compassionate support you deserve.

If you are an heir or beneficiary, we can help you understand and preserve your rights, contest the will or trust, and complete any other probate-related tasks. In some cases, personal representatives breach their fiduciary duties by acting in their own interests or mishandling the decedent’s estate. If you believe this has occurred, we can help you hold the representative accountable for their actions or failures. In short, we are here to fight for your wellbeing so you can take all the time you need to grieve and heal.

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Honest & Trusted Guidance

  • A Client-Centered Firm
    Sallen Law believes in putting clients first. It shows in the manner in which we handle estate planning matters.
  • Inclusive in All Facets
    As a female-run law firm, we are devoted to advocating for diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession.
  • Free Phone Consultations
    Free case evaluations are offered to residents throughout Montgomery County and Philadelphia.
  • Personalized Attention
    Attorney Sallen spends individual time with every client to understand the unique needs of clients and their families.