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Mike took the time to listen, and even made calls on my behalf during a very tough time. His support was truly a lifesaver.

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"Extremely easy to talk to."

I highly recommend if you need assistance in any kind of estate planning call The People’s Law Firm, Michaelangelo.

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“This man went above and beyond.”

He is a very kind hearted caring and most of all very honest. He took the weight of the world off my shoulders.

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Hiring Mike and his firm was a blessing and I highly recommend their services.

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Pennsylvania Probate Lawyer

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Our firm Handles Estate Administration and Probate matters across Pennsylvania.
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ThePeoplesLawFirm.com is a compassionate legal team ready to tirelessly work to ensure your lost loved one’s goals come to pass with the least amount of stress to the grieving family members left behind.

Taking on the task of managing a loved one’s estate after a loss often feels overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never administered an estate or dealt with the financial impacts of a family member’s death or incapacity before. Fortunately, you don’t have to face the complex probate process alone.

A West Chester estate administration and probate lawyer can be a steadfast ally throughout the process, providing the critical legal counsel you need during a trying time.

Why ThePeoplesLawFirm.com May Be Right for Your Pennsylvania Probate Case

Attorney at Law and author Michaelangelo L. Dippolito founded ThePeoplesLawFirm.com with the understanding that no one should have to navigate complex estate and inheritance laws without an experienced legal advocate at their side, assisting in ensuring a loved one’s wishes are carried out effectively and without unnecessary delay.

ThePeoplesLawFirm.com has a deep commitment to professional excellence combined with compassion and dedication. With over 26 years of experience, the legal team at ThePeoplesLawFirm.com possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of Pennsylvania’s estate and inheritance laws, inheritance tax, and the necessary legal filings and paperwork to ensure the smoothest possible probate and estate administration process.

A history of satisfied clients and their families brings a confident voice to your probate case. Attorney Michaelangelo Dippolito also has a background that includes the military and financial worlds, bringing a gift for legal strategizing and exceptional, personalized legal counsel to every client.

Contact ThePeoplesLawFirm.com for Your Probate Case In Pennsylvania

Estate and probate administration can quickly become a daunting task, regardless of how well-prepared the deceased loved one was in their estate planning. Instead of risking delays, complications, penalties, and liability, contact the Pennsylvania probate attorneys at ThePeoplesLawFirm.com today for a free phone consultation to discuss the unique requirements of your family’s probate case.

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Why Choose ThePeoplesLawFirm.com
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Trusted Guidance in Probate
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Administration Law

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Stress-Free &
Supportive Help

  • Secure, modern technology for convenient and stress-free, remote legal service
  • Video probate appointments and Zoom consultations
  • Remote document signing via email or mail
  • No in-person court appearances required in most cases

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With Our Team

  • Every client supported by a full compassionate team, not just one attorney
  • No downtime or case stagnation
  • Faster results with thorough oversight
  • Consistent communication and status updates
What Our Clients Say
“I would recommend him to everyone.”

This man went above and beyond to contact me and help me with the death of my brother after I left an early morning message on his phone. Very good information. And on a Sunday afternoon. Who does that? This took such a load off my mind at this terrible time. I would recommend him to everyone.

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“He was honest and always made himself available to talk me through situation.”

If you need a probate lawyer call Michaelangelo L. Dippolito. I never had to deal with this type of situation and he helped me every step of the way when my dad passed away. He was honest and always made himself available to talk me through situation.

Jennifer Kavanaugh Google logo

“He took the weight of the world off my shoulders.”

This man went above and beyond anything I could ever imagine for an attorney. He is a very kind hearted caring and most of all very honest. He took the weight of the world off my shoulders. I promise you no one will ever treat you better. God bless.

Drew Bazle Google logo

“I highly recommend if you need assistance in any kind of estate”

Extremely easy to talk to, and understand. My issues were Medicaid planning. I needed someone to discuss everything, ins and outs. I highly recommend if you need assistance in any kind of estate planning call The People’s Law Firm, Michaelangelo.

Colleen Noll Google logo

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Understanding Probate Practice Areas In Pennsylvania

Honoring a loved one’s wishes becomes the highest priority after a death in the family. At ThePeoplesLawFirm.com, your attorney and staff provide legal counsel and representation in the following probate matters:

  • Probate Administration
  • Estate Administration
  • Avoiding common pitfalls in both processes

Probate is complex, with numerous potential pitfalls and errors that can cause unnecessary anxiety, conflict, and delays. An estate representative in the Pennsylvania probate process may be held personally liable for errors that impact beneficiaries, creditors, and even government agencies, such as the IRS. Closing an estate sometimes involves legal issues that require a judge.

The Pennsylvania probate attorneys at ThePeoplesLawFirm.com assist estate trustees and personal representatives in navigating the probate process, including challenging probate cases that require asset valuation, creditor claims, and remedial litigation.

Avoiding Court In the Pennsylvania Probate Process

A death can bring surviving family members closer together. Still, it’s not uncommon for conflicts to arise, placing an estate administrator in the difficult position of dealing with resentful family members or relatives who disagree or have long-standing conflicts.

These issues commonly arise or re-ignite in the aftermath of a death in the family and during the process of settling an estate when emotions sometimes become heated. In such cases, a Pennsylvania probate lawyer offers a neutral opinion and provides legal guidance based on an in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania estate law.

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Areas of Practice

Estate Administration

Being named the administrator of a loved one’s estate is an honor, reflecting the family member’s trust that you are the person who will best ensure their wishes are carried out after they pass away. While you are certainly aware of the emotional aspects of this duty, facing the legal obligations of being the probate administrator for a loved one’s estate often feels like a daunting task, especially if you are new to estate law in Pennsylvania.

Probate Administration

Chester County residents lead full, productive lives, resulting in the accumulation of property and assets that are left behind at the end of their lives. Fortunately, there is a legal process that provides a roadmap for managing and distributing a loved one’s estate after they’ve passed away.

Probate

After a death in the family, those left behind deserve the chance to mourn and say goodbye to their loved one. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the administrator, executor, or personal representative of the loved one’s estate also faces the burden of the complex legal process involved in probate and estate administration.

Wills

A well-executed will or estate plan takes effect after a death, serving as the voice of the decedent and designating the distribution of their property and possessions to their loved ones as they wish.

Probate Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Living in today’s world often involves accumulating assets, including real estate, financial accounts, vehicles, family heirlooms, and personal property. When a loved one dies, these assets, as well as any debts owed by the deceased person (decedent), remain. Each state requires a legal process to disperse remaining assets in a way that fulfills all legal obligations to creditors and government agencies and honors the decedent’s personal bequests and wishes. Probate in Chester County and elsewhere in Pennsylvania is the legal guideline used to ensure an orderly process.

How Long Does Probate Take In Chester County?

The days and weeks following a loved one’s death are filled with emotion and often crowded with social, legal, and financial obligations. One of these crucial obligations is the probate process, which is used to settle the loved one’s estate.

How to File for Probate In Chester County

Many of us spend our lives cherishing family heirlooms and mementos, working hard to buy a family home, and accumulating the financial assets needed to live comfortably. One of the most important aspects of building an estate is the comfort of knowing we can pass these assets on to our loved ones after we pass away. Fortunately, there is a legal process in place to uphold a deceased family member’s wishes after their death while also meeting all legal and financial obligations. This is the Pennsylvania probate process.
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Common Questions

What is probate and when is it required in Pennsylvania?

  • Probate is the legal process of validating a will and administering a deceased person’s estate. In Pennsylvania, probate is required if the decedent owned assets solely in their name. Assets held jointly or with beneficiary designations (like life insurance or retirement accounts) may avoid probate.

How long does probate take in Chester County, PA?

  • On average, probate in Chester County takes 9 to 18 months, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Factors like disputes, real estate sales, or tax filings can extend the timeline.

What are the duties of an executor or administrator?

  • An executor (named in the will) or administrator (appointed by the court) is responsible for:

    • Filing the will with the Chester County Register of Wills
    • Collecting and inventorying assets
    • Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
    • Distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries

How much does probate cost in Chester County, PA?

  • Costs vary depending on the estate, but generally include:

    • Court filing fees (typically little more or less than $1,000 depending on value of estate)
    • Attorney fees (either hourly or a percentage of the estate)
    • Accounting, appraisal, and publication costs
    • Executor’s commission, if applicable

Can probate be avoided in Pennsylvania?

  • Yes, with proper planning. Common tools to avoid probate include:

    • Joint ownership with right of survivorship
    • Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations
    • Living trusts

What taxes apply to estates in Pennsylvania?

  • Pennsylvania imposes an inheritance tax on most transfers at death. Rates depend on the heir’s relationship to the decedent:

    • 0% for spouses and charities
    • 4.5% for direct descendants (children, grandchildren)
    • 12% for siblings
    • 15% for others

    There is no separate state estate tax in Pennsylvania, but federal estate tax may apply to very large estates.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Chester County, PA?

  • If a person dies intestate (without a will), Pennsylvania law dictates how assets are distributed. The estate passes to surviving spouses, children, or other relatives according to a statutory order of priority.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Chester County?

  • While not legally required, probate in Pennsylvania can be complex. Having an experienced Chester County probate attorney ensures compliance with deadlines, accurate tax filings, and reduces the risk of costly mistakes or disputes.

Where do I file probate in Chester County, PA?

  • Probate filings are handled through the Chester County Register of Wills, located in West Chester, PA. This office oversees the opening of estates, granting of letters testamentary/administration, and probate filings.

How can I prepare my estate to make probate easier for my family?

  • Creating a valid will, keeping beneficiary designations up to date, considering trusts, and organizing financial records can make probate smoother. Proactive planning with a Chester County estate attorney helps minimize costs, delays, and stress for your loved ones.

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