From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Chester County Statute of Limitations for Creditor Claims

Most Recently Updated July 16, 2018. 

“I am the executor of my Father’s estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. I want to distribute the estate assets according to the will. Is there a statute of limitations, or a time period for creditors making claims against the estate? If I distribute the assets, can I be held responsible if creditors make a claim?”

Chester County Statute of Limitations for Creditor Claims

First, your father’s death did not end his obligation to pay unpaid bills. By taking on the job of Executor you have the power and responsibility to assemble his assets and pay those bills. Compared to other states, Pennsylvania is rather creditor-friendly. If you have notice of a creditor, you are expected to address the claim. That being said, creditors cannot wait forever to make their claim. You trigger a one-year statute of limitations period for claims by properly advertising the estate.

Advertising to Start the Statute of Limitations

The Chester County Register of Wills has information about how to advertise the estate properly so this statute of limitations period begins. If you make a distribution of estate assets before the end of the one-year time period and a creditor later makes a timely claim, you—as the Executor—are responsible to address that debt. If it is valid, and you cannot recover enough money from the heirs to pay the bill, the creditor can recover the debt from you.

That is why it is important that you have an experienced Chester County Probate Attorney who will obtain a binding obligation on the heirs to return distributions should a valid creditor appear. Your Probate Lawyer is there to keep you out of trouble! After the one-year time limit, you can make distributions and if a creditor later makes a claim, you are not responsible. There are some exceptions, such as your obligation to personally notify the Department of Public Welfare of your father’s death and inquire about any money he may owe them… and the IRS. Make sure your Father’s taxes were paid, as the IRS never goes away!

More Probate Questions?

Advertising the 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: Chester County Statute of Limitations for Creditor Claims

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining the statute of limitations period for estates. 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: Chester County, creditor claims, Pennsylvania, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer