It is the function of the Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court to protect the personal and property rights of all individuals and entities that may not be otherwise capable of handling or overseeing their own affairs. The Court has jurisdiction over minors, incapacitated persons, decedents’ estates, nonprofit corporations and trusts. The Court has the authority to appoint guardians for both minors and incapacitated persons, adjudicate disputes over the administration of a Decedent’s Estate, resolve appeals from the Register of Wills (“Will Contests”), handle inheritance tax and estate tax disputes, and approve civil settlements involving minor plaintiffs and/or estates.
The attorneys at American Wills & Estates are experienced in all types of Orphans’ Court litigation. Using our knowledge of the law, our experience, and calling upon the services of skilled accountants and financial analysts when necessary, we can build a strong and persuasive case on your behalf. Our thorough and diligent case preparation often puts us in a strong position to negotiate a successful settlement, but we are always ready and willing to go to trial if necessary to protect your rights and interests,
Our Orphans’ Court litigation practice includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Wills - litigation on behalf of beneficiaries in the areas of probate, will contests, improper or fraudulent distribution of estate assets, unnecessary delay in the sale or transfer of real estate, and other estate and will matters;
Trusts – litigation involving trustee abuse, malfeasance or mismanagement of trust assets, non-compliance with trust provisions, insufficient or faulty distribution of trust proceeds, and others;
Guardianship – assistance in obtaining the appointment of a guardian for the person and property of an incapacitated person or minor, litigating guardianship abuse or malfeasance; and o
Insurance Policies – litigation in matters where insurance policy beneficiary designations have been fraudulently or illegally altered or changed.
The lawyers at American Wills & Estates offer injured beneficiaries free legal consultations and affordable hourly rates for our Orphans’ Court litigation services.
