Many people use the words "probate" and "trust administration" interchangeably. They don't. Both are legal processes for settling someone's affairs after death, but they work differently, follow different rules, and often move at very different speeds.

If you've just learned that you've been named executor of a Pennsylvania estate, this guide is for you. Here is an honest, detailed look at what the role actually involves — and how to carry it out without making costly mistakes.

By Wendy Witt, Pittsburgh Probate Attorney | The Pittsburgh Probate Law Firm When a loved one passes away, you're suddenly faced with decisions you never expected to make — and one of the most important is choosing the right attorney to guide you through probate. The problem is, most people have never hired a probate attorney before. You don't know what questions to ask, what credentials matter, or how to tell the difference between someone who will genuinely help you and som

By Wendy Witt, Pittsburgh Probate Attorney | The Pittsburgh Probate Law Firm Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you'll ever go through. And yet, within days of the loss, families are often expected to make legal and financial decisions they've never faced before — without a roadmap, without a guide, and often while still in shock. This post is the roadmap for what happens after someone dies in Pennsylvania Whether you've just lost a parent, a spouse, or a si

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?