Co-executor of will

[Meagan]

Jurisdiction

Pennsylvania

Hello,

My mother passed away March 19, 2021 and my sister and I are co-executors of her will.

I was told I need to bring a form 'Grant of Letters' to court to make it official (I thought it *was* official since it was notarized but that doesn't mean a whole lot). I cannot get a hold of anyone at the county office (Allegheny County, PA) as their phone system is broken and keeps hanging up on me.

So here are my problems:
1) I don't understand much of the Grant of Letters form/how to fill it out. Need help understanding the jargon.
2) My sister lives in a different state and cannot make it to court to be made official co-executor of the will--what is the process for something like that?

I'm overwhelmed and would love to hear from someone who can answer these basic questions.
Thank you!

 

[army judge]

First of all, please accept my sincerest condolences upon the passing of your mom. May she forever rest in peace.


What is the approximate value of the estate? A GUESS is all I'm seeking.

Did your mother own a home? Again, take a guess at the home's value.

Did she own a car(s)? Another guess at it's value please.

Depending on your answers, a small, speedy, simple process MIGHT be available to you.


A legal website known as NOLO, might offer all the answers, forms, guidance you seek.

This IS but one of many EXCELLENT tips NOLO provides:

Money in bank accounts. Financial institutions may release up to $10,000 to the surviving spouse or another close family member without probate court authorization. All the survivor must do is show the bank a certified copy of the death certificate and proof that funeral expenses have been paid.

Read all about it below:

Pennsylvania Probate: An Overview

 

[adjusterjack]

I'm overwhelmed and would love to hear from someone who can answer these basic questions.

You'll have to answer Judge's questions about values before determining if probate or just administration is required.