From Our “Ask a Question” mailbag: Do I pay probate fees on real property located outside of Pennsylvania? 

Most Recently Updated August 8, 2018.

“I am the executor of my mother’s estate in Philadelphia.  She owned an Atlantic County, New Jersey shore home.  When I file the Will, do I pay Probate Fees on real property located outside Pennsylvania?”

Do I pay probate fees on real property located outside of Pennsylvania

How to Begin Probate?

In Pennsylvania, probate begins when the executor files the original Will and death certificate with the Register of Wills.  The Register keeps the Will and death certificate.  In exchange, the Register officially recognizes the executor.  The Register charges a small fee for this service.

The “probate estate’s” size determines the Register’s fee.  The probate estate is the portion of the estate that passes through the Will. Things like accounts with beneficiary designations or jointly held real property do not pass through the Will. These pass “outside of probate.”

The Probate Estate Determines Probate Fees.

You give an estimated value of the “probate estate” when you first Petition the Register.  The initial estimate determines the initial fee. The Executor must then file a “verified inventory” within nine months.  The inventory states the exact value of all probate assets. If the final value exceeds the initial estimated value, the Register may levy an additional amount. Some assets, though, are excluded from paying the fee.

See my website for more information about the Probate Process.

More Probate Questions?

Paying appropriate fees 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: Do I pay probate fees on real property located outside of Pennsylvania?

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining probate fees on property out of state. 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: Amy Besser, Estate Administration, Philadelphia, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Fees, Probate Lawyer, Register of Wills