“`html
Pennsylvania Probate Costs Vary Widely; Strategies Exist to Bypass teh Process
the cost of probate in Pennsylvania is not fixed, with attorneys typically billing by the hour or charging a flat fee. While there’s no statutory limit on attorney fees in the state,they are subject to review to ensure they are “reasonable.”
Strategies to circumvent Probate in Pennsylvania
Many individuals seek to avoid the probate process due to its potential complexity, time consumption, and stress. Several methods can definitely help bypass probate in Pennsylvania:
-
Establishing a Revocable Living Trust.
-
Holding property with Joint Tenancy.
-
Properly designating beneficiaries on accounts and assets.
-
Titling assets with “TOD” (Transfer on Death) or “POD” (Payable on Death) designations.
Moreover, estates valued below a certain “small estate” threshold in Pennsylvania may qualify for an expedited probate process or complete avoidance of probate.
Defining a Small Estate in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a summary probate procedure is available for estates valued under $50,000. This valuation excludes funeral expenses, real estate, and approved family allowances. Pennsylvania