Q: My Mom died in June 2012. I have not started probate of the will. What do I do first and how do I start the process?
My mom had a row house in Philadelphia (that my children and I live in) and a very small stock from her job. No money in the bank. My father and brother were both deceased prior to my mom's passing. I am the executor but I have not been in a good place financially to go through this process. I need to handle this prior to setting up a will for myself so I will not leave my children with any issues. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
A:
At least get a consultation from a lawyer. Get the death certificate. Get the will. Go to the register of wills. Open the estate.
You will need to get the statements from her bank account, other accounts as of the date of her death to fill out the forms.
Initially, you can go by estimates. The estate will be expected to pay an estimated tax.
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