From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Bucks County Estate Closure

Most Recently Updated July 21, 2018.

“I have served as the executor for my grandfather’s Bucks County estate for over a year and wish to close the estate, but my uncle claims that I have embezzled money from the estate. This is unfounded, but how can I close the estate while he makes these claims?”

Revoking a Chester County Power of Attorney

Bucks County Estate Closure

As the executor, you could make an “at risk” distribution of the estate assets. This means you distribute the money without getting a release. This is not advisable, as your uncle could then use his inheritance to hire a Bucks County Orphans’ Court Lawyer to force you to file a formal account. Because you would have distributed the estate funds, this cost would come out of your pocket.

Instead, you have the legal right to retain your own Bucks County Orphans’ Court Attorney to help you, as executor, assemble and file a Formal Accounting. The costs related to this are a normal cost of an estate and paid out of the estate’s funds. Your uncle is then free to object to your accounting, and if you cannot satisfy his objections, you willget a hearing in front of the Bucks County Orphans’ Court judge who renders a decision. Either way, you are then done and released.

It is unfortunate that your uncle is making these claims, but there is a forum available to you that will allow you to bring the estate to an end.

More Probate Questions?

Properly closing an estate is only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Bucks County Estate Closure

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining how to properly close an estate. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

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Tags: Bucks County, Formal Accounting, Pennsylvania, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer