Losing someone you love is hard enough.
To make it less difficult, we help streamline the probate and trust administration process, protecting you and your family from unnecessary stress.
Call us at (215) 997-9773 to request a consultation.
• Probate
• Trust Administration
Our goal is simple…
Honor and protect your loved one’s interests while helping you settle their estate fairly and as quickly as possible.
There’s no question that probate or trust administration can prolong the pain of losing a loved one. It’s complex, challenging, and stressful for your family.
That’s why we work tirelessly to guide and protect you as you administer the trust, or probate the estate, while helping you move through the process efficiently.
Whether you need a proven probate attorney or someone to help you administer your trust, we will guide you through the entire process so you and your family can settle the estate as fast as possible and with less conflict or stress.
Our 3-step estate settlement process.
STEP 1
Schedule a Consultation
Request a consultation to review and discuss your estate settlement.
STEP 2
Settle the Estate
Get the guidance you need to reduce family conflict and settle the estate as quickly and fairly as possible.
STEP 3
Find Peace
Feel at peace knowing your loved one’s wishes have been honored.
"A light at the end of the tunnel"
“I do want to thank you for all of your support and guidance during a very sad, overwhelming and frustrating time. I learned a lot about what to do and what not to delay when someone dies in PA. You truly made a situation I didn’t want to deal with, go from completely overwhelmed and paralyzed, to understanding and a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m very grateful for you.”
- Mary G., Executor of her parents estate
Meet Peter Gilbert and Ashley Han, your Pennsylvania Probate and Estate Administration Attorneys
Peter J. Gilbert, Founding Attorney
Ashley Han, Associate Attorney
Settling an estate through the probate court is difficult enough, even without the added grief and stress that comes with losing a loved one.
For over 25 years, Peter Gilbert, Ashley Han, and the team at HighPoint Law Offices have helped thousands of executors and successor trustees through the process of probate and trust administration. Our main goal is to help you settle the estate efficiently while minimizing family conflict and stress.
Peter and Ashley bring a patient and supportive approach to estate planning and administration (probate). They respond to questions promptly and are dedicated to understanding and alleviating your concerns.
Choosing the right legal team can be the difference between keeping the process in motion or many months of conflict and financial hurdles for you and your family.
Whether you need clear, step-by-step guidance or someone to protect your assets from aggressive creditors, partnering with the team at HighPoint means your loved one’s estate is in good hands.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear what our former clients have to say about working with HighPoint.
"The help and support you have given me has helped me feel more secure. I'm a worrier... Your advice has helped me calm down. Thank you again for your help and understanding!"
- Client, Chalfont, PA
"Thank you so very much for all you do, Peter. You have such a wonderful way of explaining these complex issues. We are grateful to you and your team."
- Client, Orange, CA
"Just wanted you to know how much your help meant to us in settling the estate. You were always so helpful, guiding me step by step through all the paperwork. You are a true gem. Thank you!"
- Client, East Stroudsburg, PA
Common Questions
How much do you charge?
The cost and fees associated with probate or trust administration vary depending on the complexity and length of the case. We offer flat-rate fees for probate and trust administration.
How long does this process take?
Every case is different, but we are usually able to help clients settle their estate in most cases as little as 9 months. Our goal is to work efficiently and help you settle both quickly and fairly. While other attorneys might allow your case to drag out as they continue to charge you hourly, we want to help you and your family get through the process as soon as possible.
Must i pay my loved one's debts and expenses if i am appointed pr or executor?
No, you are not personally liable for the debts and expenses of the estate. The decedent’s assets will be used to pay valid debts and expenses, but not all claims are valid. We help determine which debts and expenses must be paid and when to pay them.
Am I the one that has to tell family members what they do or don’t get?
If you prefer, we can handle all uncomfortable communications with family members or involved parties during the trust or estate administration, informing and explaining what they will or will not receive from the estate.
Our Trust and Estate Law Firm in Chalfont, PA
HighPoint Law Offices
200 Highpoint Dr., Suite 211
Chalfont, PA 18914
Serving clients in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
We also serve Executors and Personal Representatives not located in Pennsylvania and can meet by videoconference.
We’ve helped thousands of clients settle their loved one’s estate and have a great team, knowledgeable in Pennsylvania trust and probate law.
Request a consultation or call (215) 997-9773to find out how we can help you settle the estate as quickly and fairly as possible.
Probate FAQs
HOW DO I AVOID PROBATE?
Avoiding probate in Pennsylvania is an option for those planning for the future, if that is your goal, we can have a conversation on ways to achieve it.
For those looking ahead, creating a living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts, and utilizing joint ownership can bypass the probate process, ensuring a smoother transition of assets. If you're currently facing the probate process, our experienced team is here to guide you through each step, providing support and expertise to make the journey as straightforward as possible.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROBATE?
The purpose of probate is to settle a deceased individual's estate through the probate court. It involves the court validating the decedent's will, appointing someone to manage the estate (the personal representative), paying the estate's debts, taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. The process also includes handling legal matters such as settling liabilities, transferring ownership of assets, and formally closing the estate.
Does probate administer all property of the deceased?
Not all of it. If your loved one placed their assets in a living trust, no court involvement is generally necessary, as the successor trustee will oversee proper distribution of all assets. In addition, certain assets are structured to bypass probate. They include:
• Property that the person owned jointly with someone else. If there is a right of survivorship, the surviving owner receives the property.
• Life insurance policies.
• Bank accounts with payable-on-death (POD) designations.
• Retirement accounts such as IRA and 401(k) accounts with designated beneficiaries.
Probate can be a long and stressful process… but it doesn’t have to be.
Hiring the right legal team can be the difference between painlessly settling the estate as quickly as possible or spending years battling with creditors and family members.
Probate and Trust Administration can be a long and stressful process… but it doesn’t have to be.
HighPoint Law Offices will guide you step-by-step through this daunting process so you and your family can move forward with dignity and confidence.
