Practice Areas
Probate, Trust & Estate Administration
We Simplify Estate and Trust Administration
Probate in Pennsylvania can be lengthy, difficult and costly. However, the right attorney can make it go smoothly and efficiently. With 50 years of service to families in Pittsburgh and statewide, you can put your trust in Weisel, Xides & Foerster or effective estate administration.
Our veteran attorneys are well versed in Pennsylvania probate law. We simplify the process as much as possible during the difficult time of settling a loved one's estate.
Estate Administration Tasks
When someone dies, their will usually designates a family member or friend as executor. In the absence of a will, the probate court will appoint an estate administrator. We provide close guidance to this representative of the estate in carrying out all duties:
- Interpretation of the will
- Gathering assets of the estate
- Paying creditors (including liquidation of assets)
- Distributing remaining assets to proper beneficiaries
- Filing Pennsylvania inheritance taxes
- Paying claims and administrative expenses
Trust Administration
At death, assets of the deceased may "pour over" into various types of trusts. The management of those assets is overseen by a trustee. Weisel, Xides & Foerster educates trustees about their fiduciary responsibilities, and takes the responsibility off their shoulders by offering sound advice on distributions, investments, taxes, and compliance issues.
Probate Litigation
We represent the estate administrator, executor or individual family members in issues that arise from probating a will or an intestate estate (death without a will). Probate litigation is expensive, and we advise clients on whether the matter is worth fighting over. Our skilled trial lawyers provide strong advocacy in any probate-related matter:
- Will contests - challenges to the validity of the will, such as claims of undue influence over the deceased, or questioning mental competency at the time the will was drafted
- Breach of fiduciary duty - allegations of impropriety in the administration of the estate
50 Years of Service to Pennsylvania — (412) 471-4128
Contact our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania probate attorneys and trust and estate administration lawyers to discuss your legal issue. We are dedicated to a high level of personal service to every client and efficient resolution of the settlement process.