pennsylvania do i need to give notice to attorney general when remainder beneficiary

by Jack Waters PhD 6 min read

The First Notice As soon as you take over as successor trustee—typically, after the person who created the trust (the settlor) has died—let the beneficiaries know. If your state does not have specific rules about what the notice must contain (but most do—see the sections below), a simple letter will do; no special legal language is necessary.

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What is a “qualified beneficiary” under Pennsylvania law?

Rule 10.5(a) (6) requires that within three months of the grant of letters to the personal representative written notice shall be sent to, “the Attorney General on behalf of any charitable beneficiary (i) which is a residuary beneficiary, including as a beneficiary of a residuary testamentary trust; (ii) whose legacy exceeds $25,000; or (iii) whose interest in a legacy will not …

Are there any FAQs about estate laws and procedures in Pennsylvania?

Aug 31, 2021 · Rule 4.4 - Charities - Notice To The Attorney General (a) In every court proceeding involving or affecting a charitable interest with the exception hereinafter set forth, at least 20 days advance written notice thereof shall be given to the Attorney General of the Commonwealth at the principal office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or to a deputy of the Attorney General designated …

When to send notice of estate administration to beneficiaries and heirs?

Aug 31, 2021 · Rule 10.5 - Notice To Beneficiaries And Intestate Heirs (a) Within three (3) months after the grant of letters, the personal representative to whom original letters have been granted or the personal representative's counsel shall send a written notice of estate administration in the form approved by the Supreme Court to: (1) every person, corporation, association, entity or …

What are the new rules for financial powers of attorney in Pennsylvania?

Dec 15, 2014 · Act 95’s requirements regarding notarization, the notice signed by the principal, the acknowledgment signed by the agent, and the provisions relating to an agent’s duties do not apply to a power of attorney which exclusively provides for making health care decisions or mental health care decisions.

How long does a trustee have to notify beneficiaries in Pennsylvania?

If you are named as a trustee of a trust for which the settlor dies or becomes incapacitated, you will have thirty (30) days following the settlor's death or incapacity to provide notice to your current beneficiaries.Oct 3, 2008

How long does executor have to settle estate in PA?

There is no specific deadline for filing probate after someone dies in Pennsylvania. However, the law does require that within three months of the death, creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries are notified of the death. Then, within six months, an inventory of assets must be prepared and filed with the Register of Wills.

Are beneficiaries of a trust entitled to an accounting?

Right to an accounting. Current beneficiaries are entitled to an accounting. An accounting is a detailed report of all income, expenses, and distributions from the trust. Usually trustees are required to provide an accounting annually, but that may vary, depending on the terms of the trust.Jun 22, 2021

How do you settle an estate in PA?

The process of settling an estate involves naming a personal representative, collecting estate assets, filling appropriate forms with the Register of Wills, notifying heirs, providing a public notice, paying all debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to heirs named in the will or under the laws of ...

How soon after death do you need to apply for probate?

You'll likely need to apply for probate within six months of the death of the person whose estate you're dealing with. Why? There's no time limit when you can apply for probate after someone has died.

How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in PA?

Essentially any estate worth more than $50,000, not including real property like land or a home and other final expenses, must go through the probate court process under Pennsylvania inheritance laws.Sep 11, 2019

What rights does a remainder beneficiary have?

Current beneficiaries have the right to distributions as set forth in the trust document. Information. Current and remainder beneficiaries have the right upon request to be provided enough information about the trust and its administration to know how to enforce their rights. An accounting.Jul 2, 2018

Can a beneficiary ask to see estate accounts?

It is common for beneficiaries to ask to see a copy of the Will. ... Only residuary beneficiaries are entitled to see a copy of the Estate account themselves i.e. the full statement of all of the Estate assets and liabilities including Executors expenses.Jun 19, 2019

Can a beneficiary demand to see a trust?

Does a Beneficiary Have the Right to See the Trust? The California Probate Law section 16061.7 provides for the beneficiaries right to see the trust. Trustees should furnish beneficiaries and heirs with copies of the trust document.

Can a bank release funds without probate?

Money in bank accounts If money is held in the deceased person's name only, then family members usually cannot get access until probate is granted to the personal representative. But if the amount in an account is small, the bank may release it to the personal representative or the next of kin.Jan 17, 2022

What are the inheritance laws in Pennsylvania?

The rates for Pennsylvania inheritance tax are as follows: 0 percent on transfers to a surviving spouse or to a parent from a child aged 21 or younger; 4.5 percent on transfers to direct descendants and lineal heirs; 12 percent on transfers to siblings; and.

Can an executor sell property of the estate without all beneficiaries approving?

Yes. An executor can sell a property without the approval of all beneficiaries. The will doesn't have specific provisions that require beneficiaries to approve how the assets will be administered. However, they should consult with beneficiaries about how to share the estate.Sep 30, 2020

What is notice and acknowledgment?

Notice and Acknowledgement. The most obvious changes are to the notice and acknowledgment forms that are signed by the principal and the agent. The principal signs a notice form that contains state mandated information about the significance of the POA. Act 95 revises the language that is to be used in the notice.

Why do we need POA?

It allows you to decide, while you are competent, not only who that person will be, but what powers they will have. It protects both you and your family.

What is a POA?

What is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney (POA) is a written document in which you (the “principal”) give another person (your “agent”) the authority to act on your behalf for the purposes you spell out in the document.

What is Act 95?

Act 95 revises the language that is to be used in the notice. The new Act 95 language warns the principal that a grant of broad authority may allow the agent to give away the principal’s property while the principal is alive or change how the principal’s property is distributed at death.

What is probate in Pennsylvania?

Probatein Pennsylvania refers to the process where the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes the executor or administrator as the estate’s official representative. When someone dies, ownership of all assets in that person’s name will now pass to someone else.

What is the job of a probate attorney?

When an executor hires a Probate Attorney, it is that Lawyer’s primary job is to advise and protect the executor. Probate Lawyers are well versed in preparing all estate related tax returns and can help make sure all returns are filed correctly and timely.

Who signs a will?

Your will must be in writing and signed at the end by the testator. If the testator is unable to sign his or her will, someone else may sign the will for the testator so long as this is done in the testator ’s presence and at his or her direction.

What happens if you die without a will?

A common misunderstanding is that if you die without a Will, your assets may end up passing to the Commonwealth. This is possible, but only if you have no living relatives.

What are the duties of an executor?

What are an Executor’s Duties and Responsibilities? Once a probate petition is accepted, the executor’s or administrator’s job is to gather all the assets, pay creditors, satisfy all income/inheritance/estate taxes, and then distribute the remaining assets as the Will directs.

What is a codicil in a will?

A codicil to your will becomes part of your will and will be read together with your will to figure out what you want to be done with your assets after your death. A codicil must be executed in the same manner as required by your states as for a will.

What is the inheritance tax rate in Pennsylvania?

Assets which pass to the decedent’s children are taxed at the rate of 4.5%.

What is the next step in estate administration?

After the Will is located (or it is determined that the decedent had no will), the next step in estate administration is to probate the estate and to have a personal representative appointed. This is done by going to the Register of Wills in the County in which the decedent resided.

What happens when someone passes away?

When someone passes away, everything that person owned becomes his or her estate. In general terms, the process of administering a decedent’s estate involves collecting all assets, locating all creditors, paying all debts, paying all applicable taxes, and then distributing the remaining assets to the persons entitled to inherit under ...

When are estate taxes due?

The Federal Estate Tax Return, if any is required, is also due within nine (9) months of the date of death. The Federal Estate Tax generally affects only large estates with assets in the millions of dollars, and the tax rates are quite high, with an upper rate of 45%. Estates may be concluded in one of two ways.

What is the purpose of a short certificate in a will?

The Register of Wills also issues Short Certificates to the personal representative, which are used to conduct estate business, such as closing bank accounts, obtaining date of death values and transferring property. The personal representative’s job is to carry out the provisions in the Will.

What is the responsibility of a personal representative?

The personal representative is responsible to ensure that appropriate insurance is maintained on estate assets and arrangements are made to care for any real property. Stocks and marketable securities must be identified and secured, and they may be sold with the proceeds deposited into the estate account.

What is a receipt and release?

First, a formal accounting may be filed with the Court for approval of the estate administration and distribution. Second, if all beneficiaries are in agreement, they may each sign a “Receipt and Release” that our office would prepare and which would approve the administration and distribution of the estate.

Where to mail notice of probate in California?

When notice is required to be given to the State of California or the Attorney General on probate matters, the notice shall be mailed to the Attorney General’s Office in Sacramento:

Who is entitled to notice of a petition to approve an account?

The Attorney General is entitled to notice of a petition to approve an account when any portion of the estate is to escheat to the state and its interest would be affected by the account.

What is the notice of action for a breach of a charitable trust?

The Attorney General must be given notice of an action to enjoin, correct, obtain damages for or to otherwise remedy a breach of a charitable trust brought under Corporations Code § 5142, or § 7142.

Who must provide notice of hearing with a copy of the petition?

Notice of a hearing with a copy of the petition must be provided to the Attorney General if the petition relates to a charitable trust subject to the jurisdiction of the Attorney General .

What is a proposed action to the Attorney General?

of proposed action to the Attorney General if any portion of the estate is to escheat to the state and its interest in the estate would be affected by the proposed action.

How long does it take to register a charitable trust?

Every charitable corporation, unincorporated association, or trustee holding assets subject to a charitable trust must register with the Attorney General within 30 days of the initial receipt of assets. A trustee is not required to register as long as the charitable interest in a trust is a future interest, but shall do so within 30 days after any charitable interest in a trust becomes a present interest. Additional information and registration forms can be found at the Attorney General’s

What is a notice to beneficiaries?

Providing Notice to Beneficiaries. There are certain notices which must be mailed out to the beneficiaries in the administration of an estate, and also a certification that these notices have been provided given to the Register of Wills by the Executor. These are done on forms obtained from the Register of Wills.

What is estate administration in Pennsylvania?

Estate Administration in Pennsylvania for ‘Dummies’. The death of a loved one or family member often means that, after the remembrances of a funeral are completed, there is an estate to administer. You may be picked for this job. You may have little idea of what is involved. Fear not – when you are done reading this, ...

How long does an estate last?

Unlike a corporation, which may last indefinitely, an estate is intended to last only so long as is necessary to conclude the process of administration. This can be as short as a few months, as long as years, but sooner or later, it ought to be concluded.

What is the purpose of publishing notice of estate administration?

The purpose of publishing notice of the estate administration is for the protection of the estate from stale claims, and protecting the executor from legal liability for late or unknown claims against the estate.

What documents do executors need to act?

The legal authority provided by the Register of Wills (there is one for each county) is for the executor to act is evidenced by two documents: Letters Testamentary (a document so ignored now that some Registers don’t even give it to you unless you ask) and the Short Certificates (which everybody wants to prove the authority of the Executor to act; we generally get five or seven to start). These documents identify the Executor (also called Personal Representative where there is no will), who is a fiduciary of the estate for the benefit of the ultimate beneficiaries (and the Executor may also be a beneficiary). Every legal act the Executor takes is usually accompanied by providing a Short Certificate and Death Certificate. The Short Certificates typically have a cost, usually $5 or $10 each, so don’t get more than you need – each separate item of property that the decedent owned (bank account, savings account, investment, real estate, automobile, etc.) will probably require that the Executor provide a Short Certificate to somebody in order to change title from the deceased person to the living Executor who is acting on behalf of the Estate. The fundamental issue is that a deceased person cannot accept, transfer or give a good title to property to anyone.

How long does it take to file a Pennsylvania inheritance tax return?

Pennsylvania requires that an Inheritance Tax Return be filed within 9 months of the decedent’s death pursuant to the Inheritance and Estate Tax Act. A discount of 5% of the total Inheritance Tax Due is available if the Inheritance Tax is paid within three months of the death of the decedent.

What happens if there is no will?

If there is no will, and no dispute as to who should act as executor (for example, the decedent was married and the spouse can act, or the decedent only had one child and the child is an adult and prepared to act), this is easily solved.