How to obtain an estate of decease parent
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How to obtain an estate of decease parent
Hi, I live in Philadelphia PA and my
father died suddenly the other day and I
need to access his accounts to make the
funeral arrangements he had no will and
I’m his only child. What is the process
I need to do to obtain his estate?
Asked on May 18, 2019 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You need to probate the estate to gain ownership over his assets. The first step is applying to the court to be appointed the administrator or personal representative (either term may be used) for the estate. This position is the equivalent of being the executor when there is a will. Being the administrator or personal representative will give you the legal authority to access his accounts for his debts, final expenses, and any expenses of his estate (e.g. to pay the mortgage or taxes on real estate, or a car loan, so the property is not foreclosed upon or repossessed). Contact the probate court clerk's office for informaton and forms about how to do this, and/or look at the court's website.
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