John W. Ament, Esquire
Ament Law Group, P.C. — Murrysville
- Westmoreland County probate & estate administration
- Pennsylvania inheritance tax filings
- Local court experience
- Remote options available
Murrysville, Pennsylvania — Westmoreland County
Murrysville's Probate Attorney Is Right Here on Route 22
When a loved one passes, you need counsel who knows Westmoreland County's courts — not a downtown Pittsburgh firm that sends a junior associate. Our office is in Murrysville. We've been here for decades. We guide local families through probate clearly, efficiently, and at a cost that makes sense.
Your Situation
Do I Need Probate in Pennsylvania?
Not every estate requires full probate. The answer depends on how assets were owned.
Usually Requires Probate
- Assets titled solely in the decedent's name
- Pennsylvania real estate in the decedent's name
- When a formal creditor claims period is needed
Often Avoids Probate
- Accounts with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD)
- IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship
- Assets held in a funded trust
Small Estate Options
Pennsylvania offers simplified procedures for modest estates. We evaluate eligibility during your consultation and pursue the most efficient path available.
Not sure whether you need probate? We'll tell you in a free consultation — no obligation, no pressure.
Ask Us →Step by Step
The Probate Process for Murrysville Families
Murrysville is in Westmoreland County. Estate matters are handled through the Register of Wills at the Westmoreland County Courthouse — 2 North Main Street, Greensburg. Our office on Route 22 is 15 minutes from the courthouse.
1
Strategy & Intake
We review the will, identify all assets and debts, assess liquidity for inheritance tax, and lay out a clear plan with disclosed fees before any work begins. No surprises.
2
Open the Estate
We file the petition with the Westmoreland County Register of Wills to qualify the executor or administrator. We prepare all filings and attend required hearings at the Greensburg courthouse.
3
Notices & Inventory
Pennsylvania law requires publication of notice to creditors and notice to heirs. We handle publication in a Westmoreland County newspaper, prepare the Inventory, and manage the creditor claims period.
4
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
We prepare the REV-1500 return and advise on the 5% early-payment discount available within 3 months of death — a meaningful savings on larger estates. Tax is due within 9 months — we track both deadlines so you don't have to.
5
Account & Distribute
We prepare the family settlement agreement or coordinate a formal audit if required. Once all obligations are met, we guide final distributions and close the estate with the Register of Wills.
Typical Timeline: Most Murrysville-area estates complete in 6–12 months. Complexity, real estate sales, and tax elections can extend timing — we'll give you a realistic estimate at the outset.
Transparent Pricing
What Does Probate Cost in Westmoreland County?
Attorney fees for estate administration follow the schedule Pennsylvania courts have long recognized as reasonable compensation for this work. The fee is calculated on the estate value and disclosed in writing before we begin — so you know exactly what to expect. For most estates, this is significantly less than hourly billing would be.
Attorney Fees
Flat-fee pricing for most probate matters. Scope and fee agreed in writing at the start. Some complex matters may be hourly — we tell you which and why before we proceed.
Court Filing Costs
Westmoreland County filing fees, publication costs, and certified copy fees are separate from attorney fees. We estimate these during your consultation so you know the full picture.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
- Spouse: 0%
- Children / Parents: 4.5%
- Siblings: 12%
- Others: 15%
Due 9 months from death. Pay within 3 months for a 5% discount.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take in Westmoreland County?
Most estates complete in 6–12 months. The timeline depends on asset complexity, whether real estate needs to be sold, creditor claims, and court scheduling. There is no fixed deadline to open an estate in Pennsylvania, but inheritance tax and creditor notice deadlines begin running from the date of death — so acting promptly avoids penalties.
Can the executor live out of state?
Yes. Pennsylvania permits out-of-state executors, typically with a Pennsylvania resident co-executor or a surety bond. We work with out-of-state families regularly — handling all local filings and coordinating remote document signing through e-signature platforms.
What if there is no will?
Pennsylvania's intestacy statutes control how assets are distributed when someone dies without a will. The court appoints an administrator rather than an executor, and assets pass according to the statutory formula. We handle intestate estates regularly and guide families through the administrator appointment process.
What qualifies as a "small estate" in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania provides simplified procedures for estates with assets below certain thresholds. Whether your estate qualifies depends on the nature and value of the assets. We assess eligibility during your consultation and pursue the most efficient filing path available.
Do I need a lawyer to probate an estate in Pennsylvania?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but most executors find professional guidance worthwhile. Executors are personally liable for errors — including missed tax deadlines, improper distributions, and creditor claim mistakes. A flat-fee attorney engagement typically costs far less than fixing a problem that arose from doing it without guidance.
Where does probate happen for a Murrysville estate?
Murrysville is in Westmoreland County. Probate is filed with the Westmoreland County Register of Wills at 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601. Our office is on Route 22 in Murrysville — approximately 15 minutes from the courthouse — so we handle all local filings without additional travel time or cost.
What Murrysville-area communities do you serve?
We serve families throughout the Murrysville area, including Export, Delmont, Penn Township, Monroeville, Plum, and communities throughout Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. Our office at 3950 William Penn Highway is on Route 22, easily accessible from eastern Westmoreland County and western Allegheny County.
Your Probate Team
Murrysville Attorneys. Westmoreland County Experience.
An attorney leads your matter and knows your file. Our paralegal handles the day-to-day work — so things move efficiently without you paying attorney rates for routine tasks.
Katlynn R. Oliver, Esquire
Ament Law Group, P.C. — Murrysville
- Westmoreland County probate & estate administration
- Pennsylvania inheritance tax filings
- Local court experience
- Remote options available
See our full team — including estate planning, real estate, and business law attorneys — at the firm website.
Meet the Full Team at ament.law →Probate on Your Schedule
Get Sworn In Without Leaving Home
The Register of Wills now offers remote appointments via video call. That means you can be sworn in as executor from your kitchen table, your office, or wherever is convenient — no trip to Greensburg required.
You can handle this from your desk at work, your kitchen table, or the school pickup line. We make it that easy.
Ask About Remote Appointments
Video Call Appointment
The swearing-in with the Register of Wills is done by video call — fully official, no commute to Greensburg.
Fits Around Your Day
Schedule your appointment during a lunch break, between meetings, or after school drop-off.
We Handle the Rest
We prepare all filings and appear at the courthouse on your behalf throughout the administration.
Get Started
Free Consultation
Tell us about your situation. We'll explain your options, outline the process, and give you a clear fee estimate — no obligation, no pressure.
Westmoreland County Register of Wills
2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 830-3988
CPAs, Financial Advisors & Realtors
We make referrals easy. Warm handoffs, clear communication, and prompt response for your clients' estate matters in Murrysville and throughout Westmoreland County.