Filing for letters testamentary is one of the very first steps in the probate process, and it's easy to get held up on paperwork requirements you didn't know existed.

Pittsburgh probate attorney Wendy Witt explains the legitimate ways to avoid or reduce probate in Pennsylvania — and when avoiding it may not be the right goal. Free consultation available.

By Wendy Witt, Pittsburgh Probate Attorney | The Pittsburgh Probate Law Firm When someone passes away without a will, it can add a layer of uncertainty to an already difficult time. Family members may assume that without a will, there is nothing to do — or conversely, that everything will dissolve into legal chaos. Neither is true. Pennsylvania has a clear, established legal framework for exactly this situation, and understanding it can bring a measure of calm to what feels l

How long is probate going to take? It's a completely reasonable thing to want to know. You're grieving, you're dealing with family, and the last thing you want is an open-ended legal process hanging over you for an unknown period of time.

Here's what you need to know. The tax rate depends on your relationship to the person who died. Miss the deadline, and you'll face penalties and interest on top of what's already owed.

And now you're wondering: Do I actually need a probate attorney in Pennsylvania? Or can I handle this myself?