Helping Executors to Wind Up
Their Loved Ones' Affairs

Estate administration is the process of winding up the affairs of a “decedent” (person who has died) after his death.  If the decedent died with a will, these duties usually are carried out by an “executor” – a person chosen by the decedent and named in the will.  If the decedent died without a will, the person who carries out these duties is called a “personal representative” and is a volunteer, (usually a family member).  Estate administration typically takes eighteen months to two years. 

An executor is responsible for: (1) “probating” the will; (2) notifying people who may have or assert an interest in the decedent’s property of the estate’s administration; (3) finding the estate’s assets and the decedent’s debts; (4) paying the decedent’s debts, the estate’s costs, and taxes due from the estate; and (5) distributing the decedent’s assets as directed by the will.  Most importantly, the executor is responsible for making sure that all the steps are completed correctly, and is personally liable if they are not.  Personal representatives have similar duties.

I work with executors and personal representatives to make sure that administration is completed according to the will (if there is one) and applicable law.  My fee is an expense of the decedent’s estate and is paid from the estate’s assets.



P.O. Box 575 Glenside PA 19038 | PHONE: 215-887-5208