An email I wrote to the New York Times about possible amendments to the U.S. Constitution was published on Sunday. My nonpartisan (I think) suggestions were as follows: To the Editor: Because of controversies over judicial (and other) appointments, I … Continue reading
Daniel Evans
When the principal and agent shared a home that was in the joint names of the principal and agent, and had agreed to divide living and maintenance expenses, the agent was not surcharged for installing new windows when there was … Continue reading
Some things to consider doing before ending an estate administration: Check with the Life Policy Locator Service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to see if there are any policies insuring the decedent that were overlooked or not known...
The Act of June 28, 2018, No. 48 (H.B. 152), requires the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and all insurance companies with life insurance policies or annuity contracts in force in Pennsylvania to participate in the Life Policy Locator Service provided by the … Continue reading
The administrative office of Pennsylvania Courts has published an updated and revised chart of limits on public access to judicial system case records. “Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania,” 48 Pa.B. 3847 (6/30/2018), updating … Continue reading
The executor of an estate, who had experience as a professional bookkeeper, was liable for the misappropriation of funds by her attorney because she failed to act as a prudent person would, allowing the attorney to have access to bank … Continue reading
The contestant to a will had probable cause to challenge the validity of the will, based on her personal knowledge of the testator’s health issues and the dramatic change the testator made in her last will, and so the contestant … Continue reading
A trust for pets is subject to inheritance tax at the rate of 15%. King Estate, 8 Fid.Rep.3d 145 (Chester Co. O.C. 2018). (For a contrary result, see Schrock Estate, 6 Fid.Rep.3d 199 (Westmoreland Co. O.C. 2015). … Continue reading
The Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee has proposed several amendments to Pa. O.C. Rules, including the following substantive changes: The explanatory comment to Rule 1.7 will be changed to exclude withdrawals of appearances before the Register of Wills from the … Continue reading