Philadelphia has adopted new local Orphans’ Court Rules 3.5A (“Procedure for Determination when No Response is Filed to a Petition under Pa.R.O.C.P. 3.5(a) or 3.5(b)”) and 5.50A (“Settlement of Small Estates by Petition”), and has amended and restated Rule 14.2A … Continue reading
Daniel Evans
It was not an abuse of discretion or an error of law for the Orphans’ Court to allow a late spousal election under 20 Pa.C.S. § 2210 by the guardian of an incapacitated spouse when the COVID-19 pandemic struck between … Continue reading
The Orphans’ Court had the power to set aside a conveyance of real estate by the executor after his removal from office as a remedy for self-dealing, and not a surcharge, and under the doctrine of “the law of the … Continue reading
Wife in divorce action died on the same day the decree of divorce was entered, and the family court later issued a final order for the equitable division of marital property. The family court, and not the Orphans’ Court, had … Continue reading
By distributing some trusts years before and adding the assets of those trusts to other trusts, the trustee waived claims for commissions payable from those trusts, as well as attorneys’ fees incurred later. The trustee also failed to provide clear … Continue reading
Petition for temporary injunction against the funeral and burial of the decedent’s father was denied for lack of jurisdiction when the decedent did not reside in Pennsylvania and was to be buried in another county, the only connection to Montgomery … Continue reading
The Supreme Court has adopted new Pa.R.O.C.P. 1.22, which provides that “Citation of authorities in matters subject to these rules shall be in accordance with Pa.R.A.P. 126.” “In re: Order Adopting Rule 1.22 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Orphans’ Court … Continue reading
The Superior Court has affirmed the dismissal of a petition to remove a corporate trustee, finding that the allegations of the petition were not grounds for removal under 20 Pa.C.S. § 7766(b). Specifically, neither changes in staffing by the trustee, … Continue reading
Lackawanna County has adopted a new Lacka.Co.R.C.P. 175 for the use of “Advanced Communication Technology” (e.g., videoconferencing), and has amended Rule 208.3(a) on motion procedure, both of which may affect Orphans’ Court practice. “Adoption of Lacka.Co.R.C.P. 175 and Amendments to … Continue reading
Somerset County has increased the monthly fees of currently serving court-appointed professional guardians for incapacitated individuals who receive a medical assistance long-term care grant to $300.00 per month, effective January 9, 2023. “Administrative Order; Administrative Order 1 of 2023″ (1/5/2023), 53 … Continue reading