You want someone close by, someone you can trust, and someone who actually knows Pennsylvania probate law inside and out.

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.

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.

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

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?