********************** Estate of Han Solo: Unusual Aspects of Estate Administration ********************** National College of Probate Judges 2019 Fall Conference Adam T. Gusdorff, Esq. Jennifer A. Kosteva, Esq. Heckscher, Teillon, Terrill & Sager, P.C. Heckscher, Teillon, Terrill & Sager, P.C. 100 Four Falls, Suite 300 100 Four Falls, Suite 300 West Conshohocken, PA 19002 West Conshohocken, PA 19002
[email protected] [email protected] (610) 940-5405 (610) 940-4198 CONTENTS Press Clippings ………………………………………………………………………………….. i I. Disposition of Remains …………………………………………………………………..1 II. Appointment of Administrator ………………………………………………………...…5 III. Intestate Succession ……………………………………………………………………..11 IV. Slayer’s Act ……………………………………………………………………………..20 V. Missing Heirs ……………………………………………………………………………29 VI. Elective Share …………………………………………………………………………...33 VII. Pretermitted Beneficiaries ……………………………………………………………….44 VIII. Family Exemption ………………………………………………………………………50 IX. Substitution of the Estate of a Deceased Party ………………………………………….51 X. Contracts to Make a Will ………………………………………………………………..54 XI. Other Estate Administration Issues ……………………………………………………...57 “Over my dead body!” I. Disposition of Remains A. General Rule. The Orphans’ Court has jurisdiction over the control of a decedent’s burial. 20 Pa. C.S. §711(1).1 Section 305 addresses who shall make decisions regarding the disposition of a decedent’s remains: 1. Subject to the provisions of a valid will, the surviving spouse has sole authority in all matters pertaining to the disposition of a decedent’s remains, absent allegations of enduring estrangement, incompetence, contrary intent or waiver and agreement, proven by clear and convincing evidence. 20 Pa. C.S. §305(a), (b). 2. In the absence of a surviving spouse, and subject to the provisions of a valid will, the next of kin shall have sole authority in all matters pertaining to the disposition of a decedent’s remains, absent allegations of enduring estrangement, incompetence, contrary intent or waiver and agreement, proven by clear and convincing evidence.