In certain circumstances where the decedent did not have a will, surviving relatives may be able to handle their affairs without going through the probate process. If the decedent is survived by a spouse and the value of their estate is less than $50,000, the spouse can file an affidavit with the court. In addition […]
An audit is scheduled when beneficiaries do not agree on how an estate should be distributed or there are questions regarding the estate. An accounting is filed with the court to obtain an audit hearing. The accounting should detail all the assets and debts of the estate to the penny. This is to ensure the […]
Several individuals are required to attend a scheduled adoption hearing. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. Section 2723, the adopting parents and adoptee must appear at adoption hearing and testify under oath where required. In addition to these individuals, the court may direct that all persons whose consents were required, or any agency or intermediary involved, […]
It is always necessary to give all interested parties proper notice of pending adoption proceedings. A copy of the adoption petition should be served on all interested parties, e.g. persons with parental rights to the minor child(ren) involved. If you do not have a good address for an interested party, there are other alternatives to […]
Alimony is support paid to an ex-spouse following divorce. The amount of alimony is usually based on the incomes of the parties. It is not uncommon for the amount of alimony to be considered in the context of the equitable distribution of marital assets, if any. Unless otherwise stated by agreement, the amount of alimony […]
Probate is the process of handling an individual’s estate after they pass away. If the individual had a will, it should name an executor. An executor is the person designated to be responsible for the administration of a person’s estate. If the individual did not have a will, their next of kin can apply to […]
In Pennsylvania any individual may be adopted regardless of their age or residence. This means even an adult can be adopted. An adult adoptee must consent to their adoption by prospective parents. They do not need to have the rights of their natural parents terminated first. Additionally, the prospective parents do not have to include […]
The short answer is possibly. Background checks are required for all prospective parents in an adoption matter. In Pennsylvania, there are three background checks that are required: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks through the State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Check through […]
If you are adopting a minor child, a name change can be accomplished as part of the adoption. Specifically, the final adoption decree can include the desired new name for the child. The first, middle and last name is subject to change where desired. The certified adoption decree along with vital records request form can […]
If you are adopting a minor child, a name change can be accomplished as part of the adoption. Specifically, the final adoption decree can include the desired new name for the child. The first, middle and last name is subject to change where desired. The certified adoption decree along with vital records request form can […]
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