Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Estate Adminisration

My Moms house was sold 3 or more months ago. The lawyer is still paying the bills before releasing the money. They said over 3 weeks ago it would take a couple weeks and now say it will be a couple more weeks or so. Should this take so long to pay the bills? It is a small house and not a lot of bills.


Asked on 6/05/09, 2:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Donald Scher Donald T. Scher & Associates, P.C.

Re: Estate Adminisration

Generally, you cannot expect to close an estate in less than 6 months. In AZ, the creditors have 4 months to make claims and you cannot close the estate until that time has run. The size of the house or the number of bills is not the controlling factor in time to close the estate and distribute to the heirs.

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Answered on 6/05/09, 4:52 pm
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: Estate Adminisration

Supplementing Mr. Scher's answer:

Before any estate assets may be distributed, all of the debts of the estate must be paid, including taxes that were owed by the deceased, and the PA inheritance taxes. If the estate is large enough, there are also Federal Estate Taxes.

In PA, after an estate has been advertised [one of the first steps that must be taken after the estate is opened], creditors have one year to make claims.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/05/09, 5:32 pm


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