Disclaimer: This article has been posted for general information purposes only. You should not act upon the information in this article without first retaining legal counsel.
By Robert C. Gerhard III, Certified Elder Law Attorney
Our office will work with you to make the process of being appointed Executor as quick and efficient as possible. These days, it is most efficient to handle the probate process online.
We prepare the probate petition and send it to the Register of Wills Office with the supporting documents. They will schedule a video meeting using Zoom or WebEx. The timing of this depends on the county, but it does not take too long.
Once the Register of Wills reviews and approves the petition for completeness, we can schedule the video conference, and they will send a link via email.
At the appointed date and time, you will click the link from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You will need a device with audio and video capabilities. Have your driver’s license available for the meeting and a copy of the petition we send you for reference during the meeting.
Once you join the video meeting, you will be joined by a lawyer from our office if we are providing representation. We will help answer certain questions and ensure things go smoothly.
Meeting with Elder LawAttorney
Here is what happens during the meeting:
- You will be asked to hold your driver’s license up to the camera so the clerk can identify you.
- The clerk will review the petition with us, confirming basic facts.
- Depending on the county, you will likely be asked a few basic questions. Typically, you will be asked:
- Were children born or adopted after the signing of the will?
- If there is a will, did the decedent marry or divorce after the signing of the will?
- Was the decedent the victim of foul play?
- Was the decedent determined to be incapacitated by a court of law? That is, was there a court-appointed guardian?
- The clerk will ask you to affirm that the information on the petition is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and that you will carry out the estate administration in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
- You will then enter a code at a link provided by the probate clerk and sign the petition electronically. Some counties have you “sign” by entering a numerical code they provide, while others have you make your signature with the mouse or, if using a smartphone or tablet, with your finger.
- The meeting ends, and the clerk then sends the paperwork appointing you as Executor to our office. We then take immediate action to continue the efficient administration of the estate.
If you are an estate Executor, Administrator, or Trustee and would like guidance with proper trust or estate administration, please contact our office by clicking here. Most of our estates are in Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties.
