D. |
Legal Counsel
|
The Register of Wills recognizes the need for
and value of an attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and
familiar with probate matters to counsel the personal representative
through all stages of the administration of an estate. The personal
representative should consider engaging an attorney before embarking
on the duties of that office. An attorney will analyze legal considerations
for administration of the estate, review creditors' claims, verify
that assets are distributed according to the decedent's Will or
the intestacy law, and advise about tax matters affecting the estate
and its beneficiaries. The Register will accept a petition from
an unrepresented person for a routine proceeding, but will not accept
a petition from a lay person or corporation which undertakes to
act as an attorney for another. Where situations exist that require
a Citation to be issued by the Register to other parties in interest,
it may be advisable to retain counsel to prepare the petition.
|