Blog & Resources

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: My mother died and I was named Executor of her estate. The estate is divided equally between myself and my brother and sister. She had so many things in her house that none of us want. Can I give these to charity and then take a deduction on the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax return?

If I have the facts correct, all assets are equally divided between you three siblings. This includes all personal property. If so, then the right to collect the property is with the children and the Commonwealth’s Inheritance Tax is due on the fair market value of those things. The tax for children is 4.5%.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: My mother named me executor, but I don’t get along so well with my brother and I am afraid he will sue me. Can I be personally liable as the executor?

The executor is a fiduciary, owning a duty of care to the beneficiaries. If your brother is an heir, he has the right to review all actions you have taken as executor and, if he feels any action you took reduced his inheritance, as the judge to surcharge you (fine you) so he receives the correct inheritance.

In many ways, being executor is a thankless task.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: Does the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax include my mother’s antiques?

If your mother died a Pennsylvania resident, then the estate must pay the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax on the fair market value of all of her taxable assets, including her antiques.

If these antiques are passing to you, the tax rate will be 4.5%, due within nine months of her death.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: I am the executor of my father’s estate and it is pretty straightforward, but I need some help completing the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax return. Can you just help me finish that return?

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: I am married to my second wife and live in Chester County, Pennsylvania. We have been married for many years and everything we own is in joint names. I don’t have a will. If I die first, don’t my children from my first marriage get part of my estate?

If everything you own is held jointly with your wife and she survives you, then she has the right to take all of your assets. Your children will get nothing. Your second wife has no obligation to give your children anything, so she could disinherit them at her death.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: I have served as the Executor for my sister’s Chester County estate for over a year and want to close the estate. Her son claims that I have embezzled money from the estate. This is ridiculous. Can I close the estate while he makes these claims?

As the executor, you could make an “at risk” distribution of the estate assets. This means you distribute the money without your nephew’s agreement. This is not advisable, as your nephew could then use his inheritance to hire a Chester County Orphans’ Court Lawyer and force you to file a formal account.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: My grandmother died in Chester County without any real assets, except for a small bank account and some solely owned stock. Her will says her assets are to pay her last bills and anything left is divided among the grandchildren. We’re confused as to how to sell the stock. Do we have to sell it through Computershare or can we sell it through any brokerage?

During her lifetime, the stock and bank account could only be accessed or liquidated by your grandmother. Now that she is dead, the accounts will sit until an authorized person contacts the bank and brokerage. Since your grandmother died with a will, it likely names an executor. That person needs to take the will to the Chester County Register of Wills along with the death certificate, legal identification and a checkbook.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: Years ago, I gave a friend a General Durable Power of Attorney. Now I am married, living in Chester County and want to give Power of Attorney to my spouse. My former-friend will not give me the old Power of Attorney. Can I revoke or void the Power of Attorney if he still has the original?

Yes, you can void a Power of Attorney at any time as long as you have the requisite mental capacity. Your situation will be a little more complex, as you have given the original document to your former agent. I have not seen that Power of Attorney, but it may have a paragraph that states that banks and others need not confirm with you that the document is still in power.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: 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?

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.

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: I am the executor of my Mother’s estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. I have advertised the estate and paid all the valid creditors, but a neighbor of my mother has made a claim for a five-figure sum of money that has no validity. Can I make distribution without paying him?

The quick answer is yes, but the right answer is that you should not.

As the executor, you are free to make “at risk” distributions, meaning a distribution that may put you personally at risk. Any experienced Chester County probate lawyer should advise you that ignoring your mother’s neighbor could put yourself at risk. Remember, even when your attorney’s asking you to slow down or take a few extra steps, they’re trying to prevent you from causing yourself more problems later on. You might be motivated to close out your duties quickly, but that neighbor could make some major hassles for you—even if their claim’s not valid.