FAQ

A power of Attorney is only good if that person is alive. Once they pass away you will need to have the proper documents to proceed in settling your loved one's affairs like banking, bill paying, sale of personal property, real estate, etc.

Yes. In order to properly honor the instructions in the Will it needs to be probated. Once the Probate process is completed you will receive a "Short Certificate" from the County in which your loved one lived. This document allows you to access everything from Bank Accounts, assets and allows you to sell anything like vehicles, property, etc..

Not having a will in not the end of the world. It just adds a few more steps to everything. I highly suggest you seek the assistance of an Estate Lawyer to help you thought the process.  Any family member or friend can step forward to ask for this position and will need to go  through the County Orphans Court process to be deemed "Administrator".

If you are diligent and you have a simple estate (one that doesn't have a lot of bills, assets or multiple beneficiaries) an average person could handle everything that is needed to satisfy you job as an Executor or Administrator. BUT keep in mind you are responsible to make sure everything is done correctly. For more complicated estate with lots of assets, multiple properties (in PA or in another State), multiple beneficiaries and more, I highly suggest you seek the services of an Estate Lawyer that can make sure you didn't miss anything. FYI, Many Estate lawyer will wait to get paid once the property has been sold!

Definitely yes, BUT you need to make sure the agent you choose has experience is dealing with Estate properties, communicating with a Lawyer and the nuances that come with selling an Estate Property. There is a process that needs to be followed to best make sure the Executor/Administrators are doing everything correctly in regards to the sale of the property. An Experienced Agent will make this process much easier for you and the Estate Lawyer (if applicable).