Common Questions
Support & Services Questions
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We offer three levels of support.
Level 1: The Navigator (Consulting Only)For families who want to do the work but need the roadmap.
What’s included: A personalized "Estate Roadmap," a checklist for closing accounts/taxes, and a 1x/month strategy call for 6-, 9-, or 12-months.
How You’ll Feel: "I have a plan."
Level 2: The Co-Pilot
For families who live out of state or are overwhelmed.
What’s included: Managing all administrative tasks (utilities, credit cards, tax filings), overseeing the "sort and donate" process, and coordinating with professional supports including attorneys,
How You’ll Feel: "I have a plan and I have help."
Level 3: The Captain (Full White-Glove Service)
The total "keys to cash" service.
What’s included: Everything in Level 2, plus cleaning/repairs, staging the home, listing and selling the real estate, and final asset distribution.
How You’ll Feel: "I can let go."
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Yes. Some families choose help with individual tasks, while others prefer full-service coordination. If you are clear on the tasks you want support with and you don’t want a package, we offer as needed support at $200/hr.
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No. Support is flexible and can be tailored based on your needs.
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Many families seek support when responsibilities feel overwhelming, time is limited, or multiple tasks must be coordinated.
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While My Estate Pilot serves the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we offer specialized, boots-on-the-ground support for executors and families within the following high-priority regions:
Southeastern PA (The Greater Philadelphia Area): Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
The Lehigh Valley: Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
South Central PA (The Dutch Country & Susquehanna Valley): Lancaster, York, Berks, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lebanon Counties.
Other Counties of focus: Snyder, Juniata, and Perry Counties.
Whether the property is a suburban family home in the Main Line, a farmhouse in Lancaster, or a residence in the Capital Region, our team is equipped to handle the unique local requirements of each county’s Register of Wills and real estate market. If you are an executor outside of these specific counties, don't worry— we provide virtual and logistical support for estate transitions anywhere in Pennsylvania.
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A consultation can help identify next steps and determine what level of support may be helpful. Schedule at the link below!
First Steps After a Loved One Passes
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Common first steps include locating important documents, notifying family members, obtaining death certificates, identifying the executor, and beginning to organize financial and household information. Many families use our simple checklist to prioritize time-sensitive responsibilities first.
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Some tasks should be addressed within the first few weeks, such as obtaining death certificates and identifying financial accounts. However, many responsibilities can be handled gradually. It is normal for the estate process to take time.
We can help you determine where you are in the process and a general timeline. -
Many families are unsure where to begin when documents are difficult to locate. We can help you navigate finding this information through your financial institutions, attorneys, and other professionals.
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The number of death certificates needed depends on the complexity of the estate. We can get you pointed in the right direction with a free consultation.
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Legal requirements vary depending on the complexity of the estate. Some situations benefit from legal guidance, while others may be more straightforward. Many families choose us to help provide guidance and coordination communication with professionals. We also can provide referrals for legal support and other local professionals.
Property & Real Estate Questions
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Families often decide whether to keep or sell inherited property. Each situation is unique, and decisions may depend on financial considerations, condition of the home, and family preferences.
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Some families choose to remove belongings before listing a property, while others sell the home as-is. Options vary depending on goals and timeline.
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Absolutely, this is a specialty of ours!
Some properties are sold without making repairs, while others may benefit from preparation before sale. During a consultation we can help you understand the available options and work with you to determine next steps. -
We specialize in selling “as-is” properties. However, some common steps may include coordinating belongings removal, ensuring the home is clean and secure, and determining whether improvements are needed. We provide all of these services.
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Many families coordinate sorting, distribution, donation, or removal of items. Support can help simplify this process.
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To sell an inherited house in Pennsylvania as-is, you can work with a specialized estate service like My Estate Pilot. We handle the transition for executors in counties like Chester, Perry, Dauphin, Montgomery, and Lancaster, allowing you to sell the property without any clean-outs or updates.
Estate Process Questions
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Probate is a legal process used in some situations to formally administer an estate. Not all estates require probate, and the process varies depending on individual circumstances.
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Estate responsibilities often involve financial documents, insurance policies, property information, tax documents, and identification records.
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Bills may continue temporarily until accounts are updated or closed. Reviewing recurring expenses is often part of the estate process.
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Financial institutions are often notified as part of the estate process. Each institution may have its own procedures for updating account status.
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Many families find it helpful to create a checklist or timeline to track responsibilities. Organization can reduce stress and help prevent tasks from being overlooked.
Executor Questions
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An executor is responsible for helping manage estate-related responsibilities, which may include identifying assets, organizing documents, coordinating communication with professionals, and helping ensure responsibilities are handled appropriately.
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It is very common for executors to feel overwhelmed, especially when balancing responsibilities alongside work and family obligations.
Many executors seek our support organizing tasks and coordinating services to reduce stress.
We also offer full service executor services to take most of the responsibility off of your plate. -
Each estate is different. Some may be resolved within several months, while others take longer depending on complexity, legal requirements, and number of assets involved. During your initial consultation, we can discuss your specific estate and provide a timeline estimate.
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Yes. Many executors manage responsibilities from out of state and sometimes even from out of the country. Our support can help simplify logistics when distance makes the process more challenging.
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Disagreements can occur when multiple individuals are involved. Clear organization, communication, and guidance from professionals can often help resolve questions. If you aren’t sure where to start, we can help you find the right professional support for conflicts that arise.