A probate resource from Ament Law Group, P.C., a private law firm. We are not a county office and are not affiliated with any court or government agency.
Probate Help From Your Murrysville Attorneys
When you are responsible for a loved one's estate, start with a conversation. From our office at 3950 William Penn Highway, Ament Law Group helps Murrysville families understand the paperwork, protect estate property, and plan the next steps.
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
- Accounts payable to the estate rather than a surviving beneficiary
Often Avoids Probate
- Accounts with named beneficiaries (POD/TOD)
- IRAs, 401(k)s, and life insurance payable to a surviving named beneficiary
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship
- Assets held in a funded trust
Small Estate Options
Some estates qualify for a small-estate petition or direct payment procedures. Eligibility depends on the property, its value, and who is entitled to it; real estate needs separate consideration.
Not sure whether you need probate? We'll tell you in a free consultation — no obligation, no pressure.
Ask Us →Working With Us
Your First Meeting With Our Probate Team
You do not need a finished inventory or every answer before contacting us. Bring what you have; we will help identify what is missing.
Start With the Person and the Will
Tell us when your loved one died, where they lived, and whether you have an original will. If someone has already opened an estate, bring the estate number and any letters or short certificates.
Bring the Property Questions
A home, joint account, retirement benefit, or family business may need different treatment. Bring available statements and deeds. We can coordinate estate administration with a property sale or transfer through the firm.
Know Who Does What
We explain the proposed scope, your responsibilities as personal representative, and how our attorneys and staff will communicate with you. Read about our team before your meeting.
Step by Step
The Probate Process for Murrysville Families
A Murrysville resident's estate is generally opened through the Westmoreland County Register of Wills in Greensburg. We help determine whether letters are needed and guide the filing and administration.
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.
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.
Notices & Inventory
We arrange required estate advertisements and beneficiary notices, prepare the inventory, and help you track creditor claims before distributing estate property.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
We prepare the REV-1500 return and discuss payment planning. Payment within three months of death generally qualifies for a 5% discount; unpaid tax becomes delinquent after nine months.
Account & Distribute
We review outstanding obligations and the proposed distributions, then advise on a family settlement agreement or court accounting as appropriate. Signing receipts does not itself amount to court approval.
📋 Get our free Pennsylvania Executor Checklist — every step from opening the estate to final distribution.
Transparent Pricing
What Does Probate Cost in Westmoreland County?
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%
- Other lineal heirs: Generally 4.5%
- Siblings: 12%
- Other taxable transfers: 15%
Exemptions include certain transfers involving children age 21 or younger and qualifying charitable transfers. Check Pennsylvania's rates and exemptions. Unpaid tax becomes delinquent after nine months; payment within three months generally earns a 5% discount.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take in Westmoreland County?
Opening the estate is the first step. Completion depends on assets, taxes, creditor issues, property sales, and any disputes. Tax timing generally runs from death; the one-year creditor protection period under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3532 generally runs from the first complete advertisement of the grant of letters. We assess distribution timing for the particular estate.
Can the executor live out of state?
An out-of-state executor can serve. A will's express bond waiver can exempt a named executor unless the court orders a bond. Other exemptions depend on the facts; residency alone does not settle the question. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3174.
What if there is no will?
The Register grants letters of administration to an eligible applicant. Pennsylvania's intestacy rules determine who inherits probate property; beneficiary designations and other nonprobate arrangements must be reviewed separately.
What qualifies as a small estate in Pennsylvania?
Section 3102 permits a court petition for qualifying personal property with a gross value of $50,000 or less, excluding real estate and property payable under § 3101. Court approval is required; it is not an automatic affidavit shortcut. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3102.
Do I need help before distributing estate money?
Distributing too early can expose a personal representative to liability for unpaid obligations. We review taxes, known claims, the notice history, and any reserves before advising on distributions.
Do I meet you in Murrysville or at the courthouse?
Our office is at 3950 William Penn Highway in Murrysville. Your consultation can be in person, by phone, or by video. The estate filing is generally handled in the county where the decedent was domiciled; we explain any separate oath appointment and attendance requirements.
Your Ament Law Group Team
Murrysville Attorneys. Westmoreland County Experience.
An attorney directs the legal work, with staff assisting on documents and routine coordination. We explain what our engagement covers and what we need from you as personal representative.
See our full team — including estate planning, real estate, and business law attorneys — at the firm website.
Meet the Full Team at ament.law →Client Experience
What Families Say About Working With Us
★★★★★"After my mother passed away, John walked me through the entire probate process step by step. He was patient, thorough, and always available when I had questions. I can't say enough good things about this firm."
— Google Review
★★★★★"John was an absolute pleasure to work with. His in-depth knowledge and personable work ethic made us comfortable throughout the process of planning our estate. John was incredibly patient in explaining the legal terminology to us in a professional manner."
— Google Review
★★★★★"My husband and I connected with John Ament for a will. John is so patient and kind. He sat down with us to answer all of our questions before we signed anything. I definitely recommend working with John and his staff."
— Google Review
Probate on Your Schedule
Meet Locally. Ask About a Remote Oath.
Westmoreland County offers virtual appointments to be sworn in as an estate representative. We confirm availability, required documents, and the separate county fee before scheduling. View the county's virtual-service information.
Your consultation with our firm and your oath appointment with the county are separate steps. We help you prepare for both.
Ask About Remote AppointmentsDiscuss your matter at our Murrysville office, by phone, or by video.
The county controls appointment availability and requirements. We explain what needs to be ready.
We guide the notices, asset work, taxes, and distributions that follow the opening of the estate.
Get Started
Contact Ament Law Group
Request a free consultation with our law firm. This form does not contact the county or file documents with the court.
Tell us where your loved one lived, whether there is a will, and what concerns you most. We will discuss the next steps and proposed fees. Please keep this initial message brief and omit confidential details.
County office information
Separate from our law firm. For official records or county services, contact the office below.
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.