Estate Administration & Probate

The loss of a loved one is always a difficult and emotional time, and the estate administration and probate process may seem difficult and intimidating. That is where our experienced attorneys can assist you.

 For more than five decades, our attorneys have been guiding executors and performing estate administration and probate work. We have handled more than 1,000 estates and have experience in all estate-related matters and issues, making our lawyers some of the most trusted probate attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pennsylvania is one of only six states that assess an inheritance tax on the assets of a deceased individual. The inheritance tax rate varies depending on the relationship of the decedent to the heir. The only exemption from inheritance tax is for a minor child inheriting from a parent or when an individual inherits assets from a spouse. All other individuals who inherit from an estate, including adult children, are obligated to pay inheritance tax.

At Evashavik Law, LLC, we have extensive experience helping individuals and families prepare and draft estate planning documents. We have exceptional expertise in minimizing the tax owed by a decedent’s estate during the probate process and the preparation of the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return. We are here to help you take full advantage of all available laws and planning tools to help your heirs avoid paying inheritance tax.

Whether you’re looking to prepare your own will or need assistance determining a plan after the passing of a loved one, our team of experts in probate and estate administration law in Pittsburgh can help you navigate the difficult process of handling an estate or planning for your estate.

In drafting wills, we have found that many people do not realize that there are assets they own that pass to heirs or beneficiaries outside of the terms of the will. This is most common when an asset or investment has a designated named beneficiary. In such a case, for example life insurance proceeds and/or pension, benefits will be paid directly to the beneficiary regardless of what is stated in the will.

Similarly, bank accounts may have a designated option known as “transfer on death” or “payable on death” which dictates to whom the full ownership of that account passes upon the death of the account owner. This transfer will automatically be made by the banking institution at the time of death regardless of what the will states. 

In estate planning and will preparation, it is important to understand what assets will pass under the terms of the will and what assets will pass outside of the will. We are very knowledgeable with these issues and we can advise you and make recommendations regarding your estate planning needs. Depending on how these assets are titled and which assets are in the form of life insurance, there are ways to avoid inheritance tax in part or completely.  Let us help you with your estate planning needs and the elimination or reduction of future inheritance tax obligations.