Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

My grandfather passed away 2 years ago leaving a handwritten will in his home. There five heirs named, one being me. We named 3 executors. It has been 2 years and its still not finished. The three executors are also heirs. Is there a statute or length of time that the will should be closed or finished? I feel as though they are procrastinating for a reason.


Asked on 1/24/14, 6:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

This was a mistake to name 3 executors. It was a mistake for your grandfather to do his own will as well.

Unless the estate is unduly complex, most estates are completed within 1-2 years. If this is in PA, then status reports must be filed with the court. Have they been filed? Have you asked the executors as to the reason for the delay? Failing that, have you consulted with a probate attorney who practices in the county/state where the estate for your grandfather is pending to have the attorney review the file and see what is going on? If the executors have an attorney, it may be as simple as having your attorney call or write to the estate attorney and see what is going on, find out why there has been a delay and find out when it is anticipated a final accounting will be submitted to the court. If there is no estate attorney, then the heir's attorney can write to the executor's directly and ask the same questions. If there is no satisfactory response and/or no status reports ,then the heir's attorney can file a motion with the court to compel action or have the executor's removed.

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Answered on 1/24/14, 10:03 pm


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