Probate in Pennsylvania

[jo]

Is it true that probate costs in PA are only $400, and that the time
to finalize an estate with a will is about 7 months? These questions
came up when a lawyer said there was no point in establishing a
revocable trust to avoid probate, because the savings isn't worth it,
and the time for settlement is essentially fixed, whether you've got a
trust or not. Is this all on target, and is there any place online
or elsewhere that outlines the steps or paperwork one takes to act as
an executor?

 

[ed]

Is it true that probate costs in PA are only $400, and that the time
to finalize an estate with a will is about 7 months? These questions
came up when a lawyer said there was no point in establishing a
revocable trust to avoid probate, because the savings isn't worth it,
and the time for settlement is essentially fixed, whether you've got a
trust or not. Is this all on target, and is there any place online
or elsewhere that outlines the steps or paperwork one takes to act as
an executor?

I can't respond to the PA problems with probate, but if a revocable
trust is funded with all the deceased's assets the trustee can settle
it immediately because it does not go though probate.

There are many books availabe in your local library discussiong
settlement of estates and/or trusts.

ed