Reading Probate Attorney Safe and Protected, Powerfully Represented

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Reading Probate Attorney

When a person dies, their estate must pass through probate. Navigating probate can be exhausting for a number of reasons, including that the administrator of the decedent’s estate may still be coping with feelings of grief and loss, and because probate is a technical legal process that is often confusing and draining. At the law office of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Reading probate attorneys can represent you during the probate process, allowing you to focus on other things in your life. Call us today to learn more.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the court-supervised process of taking an inventory of the decedent’s estate, paying creditors, and then distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. It’s important to note that regardless of whether or not a person has a will, their estate must pass through probate. The person who is responsible for navigating the probate process is the personal executor/administration of the estate, who is named in the decedent’s will. If no administrator has been named, then the court will appoint someone. The administrator will be responsible for inventorying estate assets, paying taxes and debts, and then distributing any remaining assets to the proper beneficiaries, as named by the will. If there is no will, then assets should be distributed per the state’s intestate succession law.

Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.

Assets that Pass Through Probate

While an estate must go through probate, not all assets within an estate are subject to the probate process. For example, assets that are exempt from the probate process in Reading include:

Assets held in a trust (the fact that assets that are held in a trust are exempt from the probate process is one of the primary reasons to consider creating a trust);
Assets for which a designated beneficiary has been named, such as a life insurance policy;
Assets that are held in joint tenancy with another person, such as a home with two names on the title;
Some wages and money held in bank accounts – in Pennsylvania, banks may release up to $10,000 to a beneficiary of a decedent without going through probate first. Amounts of money greater than this, though, will need to pass through probate.

It’s important to note that there is the regular probate process–which is longer and more tedious–as well as a simplified probate process. For estates valued at less than $50,000, a simplified probate process is possible.

Call Our Reading Probate Lawyers Today

When you have lost a loved one, the last thing that you want to think about is the probate process. Not only is this process complex, but it can also lead to disputes and conflict amongst beneficiaries. At the law offices of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Reading probate lawyers can provide you with representation and support. We can handle the entire probate process on your behalf and ensure that it’s executed efficiently and correctly. To learn more, please call our Reading probate lawyers directly today for the support you need.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Internet crimes are governed by both federal and Pennsylvania state laws. Whether it's cyberbullying, online fraud, or identity theft, these offenses are taken seriously by the Pennsylvania justice system. Our firm stays up-to-date with evolving laws in this area to offer the most effective defense strategies.
Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws, and penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment. Multiple offenses within a 10-year period will significantly escalate these penalties.
Sex offenses in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of actions, from sexual assault and rape to possession of child pornography. Pennsylvania has strict laws governing sex crimes, and convictions often come with severe penalties, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin

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Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

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