What happens to real estate and bank accounts of a deceased, if no one petitions to be administrator?

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What happens to real estate and bank accounts of a deceased, if no one petitions to be administrator?

My cousin died intestate a year ago. They ever married, no kids, no siblings, parents/grandparents all deceased. They do have 2 living blood uncles, 4 deceased blood uncles with living offspring. They owned a modest home that is now in very poor condition; they aso had 8K in the bank. The hospital “forgave” massive medical bills prior to his death, so there is maybe only 2K in other outstanding bills. Can the hospital seek payment from the estate, when there is one (which would make it insolvent) ? Who handles things if no one petitions to be administrator? Would it be worth my while to be administrator (I would split 1/6 of the estate)?

Asked on May 28, 2012 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

I am so sorry for your loss.  I would suggest that you seek consultation from an attorney in your area on the matter before stepping up to the plate here.  If no one is appointed then the state will step in and appoint a public administrator to administer the estate.  Good luck.


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