Probate & Estate Administration Attorneys in Williamsport, PA

When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to navigate is a complicated legal process. But if they owned assets in their own name, Pennsylvania probate law typically requires that the estate be formally administered before property can be transferred to heirs.

At Raup & Sholder, P.C., we handle probate and estate administration on behalf of executors and families throughout Lycoming County and Northcentral Pennsylvania. We take on the legal complexity so you can focus on your family.

What Probate Involves in Pennsylvania

• Filing the will with the Register of Wills and obtaining Letters Testamentary
• Identifying and inventorying all estate assets
• Notifying creditors and resolving outstanding debts
• Filing required tax returns (income and estate)
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the will or Pennsylvania intestacy law
• Formally closing the estate with the court

Do All Estates Have
to Go Through Probate?

Not always. Assets held in trust, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, and accounts with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) typically pass outside of probate. Proper estate planning can minimize — or even eliminate — the need for probate entirely. We can review the estate and advise on the most efficient path forward.

Guardianship & Conservatorship Attorneys in Williamsport, PA

When a loved one — whether a child, an elderly parent, or an adult with disabilities — can no longer make safe decisions for themselves, the law provides a mechanism to protect them: guardianship and conservatorship. These legal processes give a trusted person the authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who cannot do so independently.

At Raup &Sholder, P.C., we guide families through this process with care and efficiency. We understand how emotionally difficult these situations can be, and we work to make the legal side of things as clear and manageable as possible.

Guardianship vs. Conservatorship:
What's the Difference?

Guardianship gives a designated person authority to make personal and healthcare decisions for an individual who has been found legally incapacitated. Conservatorship gives authority over financial matters and assets. In many cases, both are sought together.

Guardianship for minor children is a separate process, typically initiated through estate planning — you can designate a guardian for your children in your will, subject to court approval.

When Is Guardianship Needed?

• An elderly parent is showing signs of cognitive decline and can no longer manage their finances or health decisions safely
• An adult child with disabilities needs ongoing legal support as they reach adulthood
• A minor child has lost both parents and needs a court-appointed guardian
• A family member has been victimized financially and needs protection going forward

How We Help

We prepare and file all required court petitions, gather the necessary medical documentation, represent you at hearings, and guide you through your ongoing responsibilities as guardian or conservator. We also help families understand less restrictive alternatives — such as powers of attorney — that may achieve the same goal without full guardianship proceedings.

Call us to schedule a consultation. We serve families in Williamsport, Montoursville, and throughout Lycoming County.

If you are concerned about a loved one's ability to manage their own affairs, call us at (570) 321-0709 for a free initial consultation. Early action can make a significant difference.

Early Action Can Make
a Significant Difference.