From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Finalizing an Estate as Executor in Lehigh County, PA

Most Recently Updated July 13, 2018

“I am the executor of my mother’s estate in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. I have sold the real estate, liquidated all the assets and am ready to distribute, but my sister will not give me a release of liability. What can I do?”

Finalizing an Estate as Executor in Lehigh County, PA

You are right to be concerned. Prior to making distributions from the estate, you should insist on getting a release of liability. Settlement Agreement

Typically, the probate attorney assembles a Settlement Agreement and attaches to the agreement a complete Accounting of your actions plus a Schedule of Distribution where you inform the heirs of how you plan to distribute the estate assets. After all the heirs agree and sign the Settlement Agreement, you can safely make the distributions.

Formal Accounting

When an heir refuses to sign the Settlement Agreement, you are then forced to file a Formal Accounting. This one would be filed with the Lehigh County Orphans’ Court. These Formal Accountings must follow specific rules. All the heirs are then given a date to file objections to your accounting.

If none are filed, then your Accounting is approved and you are protected. If an heir objects to your accounting there is a hearing where the judge hears all sides and makes a ruling. Either way, you are then released from future liability and you can finally make your distributions.

More Probate Questions?

Finalizing an Estate as Executor in Lehigh County, PA, 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: Finalizing an Estate as Executor in Lehigh County, PA

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining steps to 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: Executor, Fiduciary Duty, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer