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The experienced Criminal Defense attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC are ready to walk you through your rights and possible penalties you may face if you have been charged with theft, fraud, robbery, stealing, or burglary in Pennsylvania. Theft Charges The type of theft offense a person is charged with and the severity of the penalties associated with the crime depends upon the value of the goods or services taken, and whether or not the defendant has any prior theft convictions. A Pennsylvania theft attorney can help determine the best defense strategy that fits the specifics of their client’s charge, whether it be a felony or misdemeanor, and the circumstances surrounding it. Types of Offenses MISDEMEANOR THEFT In Pennsylvania, theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Shoplifting is a type of theft charge. While a misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are three possible charges misdemeanor theft charges and each charge carries the possibility of jail time. Misdemeanor 3 Theft – when the value of the stolen goods is less than $50. A conviction of Misdemeanor 3 Shoplifting carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. Misdemeanor 2 Theft – when the value of the stolen goods is over $50. A conviction of Misdemeanor 2 Shoplifting can result in up to three years in jail. Misdemeanor 1 Theft – when the value of the stolen goods is more than $200. A conviction of Misdemeanor Shoplifting 1 carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail. FELONY THEFT Theft, including shoplifting, is automatically charged as a felony if the items stolen are valued at more than $2,000. You could face up to seven years in jail if convicted of felony shoplifting in Pennsylvania. The charge will also be a felony if a firearm is used during the commission of the crime, regardless of the value of the items stolen. Both a felony and misdemeanor charge will become part of your record. However, a felony is the more serious of the two charges and frequently requires jail time. It can also prevent you from working in some fields. A misdemeanor is more likely to result in alternative sentencing, such as a fine or community service. The final decision of whether you receive jail time for your theft charge depends on several factors. If you have a previous record of theft or shoplifting, you are more likely to receive jail time. On the other hand, if this is your first conviction, you may be fortunate enough to receive probation or community service. RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY Typically, when charged with theft by unlawful taking, you will likewise be charged with receiving stolen property. If you keep property that you know is stolen, you are considered guilty of receiving stolen property according to Pennsylvania law. The District Attorney will try to get you to plead guilty to both of these charges. FALSE WORKPLACE ACCUSATIONS Many workers are accused of criminal actions at work by employers, clients, or even co-workers. Charges often involve the theft of company goods, money, or time, falsifying time cards, expense reports, embezzlement, and shortages in a cash register. Your job and your reputation are on the line. Theft is the type of conviction that is likely to disqualify you from any future employment. The financial security of you and your family is on the line. A person accused of theft should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as they have any indication that they might be charged. The earlier the attorney can get started, the better opportunity they will have to prepare a successful defense. If you are facing a theft charge, it is crucial you work with an experienced Pennsylvania theft attorney who can pursue reduced charges on your behalf and investigate if any theft defenses may apply in your case. Whether you have a history of theft convictions or have never before been charged with a crime, an attorney will look out for your best interest throughout the judicial process.

Laura Devine Associate Attorney Laura was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1993 after graduating from Duquesne University School of Law. She joined Fiffik Law Group in 2017 after accumulating years of experience in the legal field. Laura provides legal counsel for her clients in matters involving Family Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law, and Personal Injury. Laura Devine graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh. She began her career as a general civil practice associate and subsequently opened her own private practice, representing clients in various matters. She has served as an arbitrator, private divorce mediator, and is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Western District Pennsylvania, 1993 J.D. Duquesne University Law School, 1992 AREAS OF PRACTICE Family Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law, Personal Injury

Our experienced Pennsylvania real estate attorneys represent individuals and businesses in a variety of real estate advice and litigation including real estate closings, boundary and land disputes, and other real estate issues. Real Estate Real Estate Experience Whether you are buying or selling real estate, have landlord and tenant concerns, or have a boundary dispute, having a lawyer in your corner is critical to the success of any real estate law issue. We handle over 2,500 real estate matters annually. With more than 25 years of experience handling real estate closings and litigation, our experienced real estate lawyers know what it takes to ensure that your rights are protected. From our headquarters in Pittsburgh and our network of affiliated offices throughout Pennsylvania, we assist Pennsylvania clients with all real estate concerns. Clover Lane Settlement Services is a real estate title agency providing clients with the smoothest closing experience possible. Michael Fiffik, Esquire and Susan Green teamed up to create Clover Lane Settlement Services because after years of working as an approved attorney for various title companies, Michael found that having his own title agency would help eliminate pain points throughout a transaction. With almost 40 years of combined experience in the real estate settlement and property management businesses, Michael and Susan are well adept at achieving clean, seamless transactions, whether they be for $10,000 lots, $20 million corporate deals, or anything else in between. LEARN MORE Residential Real Estate The process of buying property can be complicated. A recent report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes real estate closings as confusing, stressful, time-pressured, and filled with delays. A settlement agent or title company will be involved in the closing. You have the right to choose who will provide those services. Choosing the right settlement agent is critical to avoiding these common complaints. Take control of the process by allowing one of our experienced real estate attorneys to serve as the settlement agent. How We Can Help Draft and review sales agreements Conduct title searches Assist for sale by owner (FSBO) sellers Prepare deeds Add names to and make changes to deeds Review settlement statements and closing disclosures Serve as a settlement agent or title company for real estate closings Issue title insurance policies Negotiate title and boundary disputes Advise on condo and homeowner association rights and fees Defend foreclosure notices and lawsuits Advise on right of way matters Fences, overhanging tree, and other boundary matters Respond to zoning and municipal citations Prosecute and defend real estate lawsuits Buying a home is exciting, but it can be an extremely complicated process. Click below for a free toolkit from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It's a booklet that can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home. DOWNLOAD HOME TOOLKIT Throughout your home purchase, third parties—such as your real estate attorney and your mortgage lender—have performed services. Closing costs include the fees these professionals (as well as others) charge for these services to finalize the real estate transaction and your home loan. Click below to get an estimate of closing costs on your home purchase. CLOSING COST CALCULATOR Residential Commercial Commercial Real Estate Commercial property makes for quite a significant investment market. Our experience goes beyond residential properties; we help our clients navigate the tricky world of renting, owning, and leasing commercial properties. At Fiffik Law Group, we will help you through the process with ease. Our real estate attorneys have a lot of experience when it comes to buying/selling commercial property. Commercial property is used for non-residential activities such as hotels, office space, retail shops, industrial buildings, public facilities, etc. Similar to residential property, the owner can operate a business from the commercial property they own or lease some or all of the space to tenants. This makes commercial property quite a significant investment market. Our expertise goes beyond residential properties; we help our clients navigate through the tricky world of renting, owning, and leasing commercial properties. Our team of real estate attorneys has been approved by: The First American Title Guaranty Company Fidelity National Title Company Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company Chicago Title Insurance Company Conestoga Title Insurance Company. 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Power of Attorney A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone, known as the principal, to identify and authorize legal, medical, and financial matters on their behalf should they be unable to do so themselves. Our Law Firm can help provide you with a Power Of Attorney so that you are covered if something bad were to happen. When You May Need a Power of Attorney Most commonly, the power of attorney (POA) comes into play when someone becomes incapacitated due to a mental or physical disability. A person may be suffering from dementia or in a coma following an accident, making it impossible for them to take care of important financial matters or make medical decisions for themselves. In Pennsylvania, if someone becomes unable to manage their affairs and they do not have a power of attorney in place, a court may appoint a guardian to handle those affairs for them – and it may not be the person they would have chosen themselves, so a power of attorney allows them to place their faith in someone they trust. Contact our team of estate planning attorneys to get your power of attorney started today. How To Choose the Right Power of Attorney Trust is a key factor when choosing an agent for your power of attorney. Whether the agent selected is a friend, relative, organization, or attorney, you need someone who will look out for your best interests, respect your wishes, and won't abuse the powers granted to him or her. It is important for an agent to keep accurate records of all transactions done on your behalf and to provide you with periodic updates to keep you informed. If you are unable to review updates yourself, direct your agent to give an account to a third party. As for legal liability, an agent is held responsible only for intentional misconduct, not for unknowingly doing something wrong. This protection is included in power of attorney documents to encourage people to accept agent responsibilities.

Planning for the succession of a business is one of the most overlooked aspects of business planning. Your business needs a plan for every situation you could encounter in your future. Do You Need A Presenter? Michael Fiffik and other attorneys at Fiffik Law Group are available to speak to your organization. Fill out the form below to request a speaking engagement. Empowering Communities Through Knowledge and Connection Community outreach programs are an essential part of the success for every local organization. Many of the fastest-growing organizations are those that are actively engaged in community outreach. If those in your community know that your organization cares about them, they’ll be more likely to be curious about your organization. Our estate and elder law seminar series present excellent opportunities to invest deeper in the community, learn together and invite others into important conversations about things that really matter to them: taking care of their family and those they love. We’d be honored to be part of your community outreach program. Topic Suggestions Estate Planning 101: Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney Saving Your Home from the Nursing Home Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst: Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs Children Estate Planning for Digital, Crypto and Online Assets Trusts 101: What You Need to Know About Trusts & Estate Planning Understanding Your Choices & Options for Long Term Care Legal Advice to Family Caregivers Estate Planning for Blended Families & Second Marriages Safeguarding Your Hard-Earned Efforts: Proactive Planning to Prevent Loss to a Nursing Home First Name* Last Name* Organization name Email* Phone* Message* Submit Request a Speaker ✓ Tailored, customizable presentations ✓ <30, 45, or 60+ minute run time ✓ Marketing Assistance & Content Creation ✓ Completely Complimentary

Our Pennsylvania lawyers proudly serve clients in a broad range of practice areas. Schedule a consultation today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys on matters involving estate planning, business litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. Practice Areas BANKRUPTCY ELDER LAW & GUARDIANSHIP REAL ESTATE WORKERS COMPENSATION BUSINESS & CORPORATE LAW FAMILY LAW TRUSTS & ESTATE PLANNING CRIMINAL DEFENSE PERSONAL INJURY PROBATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION

Partner Kevin S. Frankel Kevin devotes his practice to Estate Planning & Elder Law to help families protect their loved ones and assets while building their legacy and creating wealth. Kevin earned his J.D. degree from the Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, DE. He is a member of the bar in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Serving as a trusted advisor, Kevin calmly guides his clients in making the very best personal, financial, and legal decisions for their families throughout their lifetime. Kevin seamlessly counsels his clients with planning for the future, handles crisis situations, and takes advantage of legal solutions to reduce his clients’ legal anxiety. Being a husband and father has brought the awareness that planning is something that you do for the people you love the most. Kevin has witnessed firsthand what not planning does to a family. His primary goal to educate the community on the importance of estate planning, what happens when you don’t plan, and the peace of mind when you do. He has many resources for you, so you can ensure your family and loved ones stay out of court and out of conflict, if and when something happens to you. When he’s not counseling estate planning and elder law clients, Kevin is married to his college sweetheart and they have two beautiful daughters. When he’s not cheering for a Philly’s sports team, he enjoys cooking and spending time with family. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 2014 Federal District Court, Eastern, Middle & Western PA, 2016 New Jersey, 2014 J.D. Widener University Delaware Law School, 2013 B.S. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2001 AREAS OF PRACTICE Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning

Minh Nguyen Associate Attorney Minh Nguyen represents both individuals and small businesses in courts throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties, including the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court. Mr. Nguyen has substantial experience handling eviction actions, ejectment cases, lease disputes, and post-judgment enforcement matters such as writs of possession and sheriff's sales. His practice also includes personal injury claims, workers' compensation matters, and general civil litigation, where he regularly drafts motions, conducts hearings, and negotiates resolutions on behalf of his clients. Before practicing law, Mr. Nguyen built a professional background in business and insurance, which informs his practical and strategic approach to legal representation. He understands both the legal and financial aspects of disputes, allowing him to provide clients with clear, results-oriented guidance. Mr. Nguyen earned his Juris Doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems from La Salle University. He is committed to providing responsive, straightforward counsel and advocating effectively for his clients both in and out of the courtroom. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 2024 J.D. Widener University Delaware Law School, 2020 B.A. La Salle University, 2002 AREAS OF PRACTICE Landlord-Tenant Law, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Debt Collection, Contract Disputes, Employment Law, Consumer Protection

If you have been hurt in a car wreck, motorcycle accident, or injured by any type of motor vehicle, you need to contact a Personal Injury lawyer with auto accident experience. Fiffik Law Group, PC has the experience you need to get the compensation you deserve. Auto Accidents If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, we are ready to help your family recover from this tragedy and pursue legal action against those responsible. Our firm represents clients throughout Pennsylvania who have been injured due to the negligence of drivers, insurance companies, and automobile and truck manufacturers. You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement or emotional distress. Let our experienced team of attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve. Types of Cases Fiffik Law Group, PC has gained a vast range of personal injury expertise through representing clients in cases involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and tractor-trailers, including: Catastrophic injury cases Traumatic brain injury Spinal cord injury Severe burns Head-on collisions Paralysis Hit and run SUV rollovers Rear-end collisions Denial of insurance coverage Rental car collisions Accidents caused by defective parts We know how difficult it can be for families to handle the emotional and financial strain that these accidents can cause. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing clients and their families with passionate representation in court. We use every available resource at our disposal to get maximum compensation for our clients at trial or in a settlement. Nothing is more important to us than our clients. From the moment you contact our office, you are treated with the personal attention and respect you deserve. What NOT to Say to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident Delayed Car Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know Merging Roadways – Who Has the Right of Way in Pennsylvania?

Supervising Attorney Karyn L. Coy Karyn was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1997 after graduating from Duquesne University School of Law. She joined Fiffik Law Group in 2017 after accumulating years of experience in the legal field. Karyn provides legal counsel for her clients in matters involving Business, Landlord/Tenant, Family Law, Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Employment, and Consumer Protection. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 1999 Federal District Court, Western Pennsylvania 1999 J.D. Duquesne University Law School BA, Indiana University of Pennsylvania AREAS OF PRACTICE Civil Litigation, Consumer/Finance, Family Law , Landlord Tenant

Product Recalls & Mass Torts Product recalls are often associated with civil lawsuits that usually have many plaintiffs suing one or a few corporations as defendants. These claims can be brought in state or federal courts. Courts refer to these actions as “mass torts” in part due to the number of litigants, but also because of how the plaintiffs’ attorneys use mass media to discover more people who have been hurt by the corporation. For a lawsuit to be a mass tort, a product must have harmed many people, the same defendant caused those people harm, and they consolidate the suit into one action rather than separate lawsuits. Mass Torts Advances in technology, particularly production and distribution, are part of the reason why mass torts have become necessary in the legal arena. Because of large production and distribution, large numbers of people can be affected by a single product. Mass tort litigation involves many areas of the law, but the two most common mass tort claims involve: Pharmaceutical Claims Many pharmaceutical companies release products without proper testing or even knowing there are serious side effects. These can be prescribed drugs, over-the-counter medications, or medical devices. Product Claims When a product is dangerous or doesn’t act as the consumer expects, the people who were injured by the hazardous device may sue the company through a product claim. Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injections and Increased Risk of Meningiomas (Brain Tumors) Recent medical research has uncovered a troubling connection between the widely used contraceptive injection, Depo-Provera, and the development of brain tumors known as meningiomas. If you have been using the Depo shot and have developed neurological symptoms or undergone life-changing medical procedures, you may be entitled to compensation. READ MORE Fill out and submit our Depo-Provera Questionnaire to see if you are entitled to compensation. DEPO-PROVERA QUESTIONNAIRE Camp LeJeune Water Contamination U.S. Veterans, their family members and employees of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, may have been exposed to contaminated water between August 1953 and December 1987. Veterans and their families deserve to be properly compensated for their injuries related to their time at Camp LeJeune. READ MORE Fill out and submit our Camp LeJeune Questionnaire to see if you are entitled to compensation. CAMP LEJEUNE QUESTIONNAIRE Hair Straighteners and Increased Risk of Cancer Hair straighteners and relaxer products contain numerous harmful chemicals including phthalates and formaldehyde which may disrupt the hormones that regulate cell growth. Frequent exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of developing uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer. We are investigating these cases on behalf of patients who were diagnosed with Uterine/Endometrial or Ovarian cancer with frequent use (at least 4 times a year) of a hair straightener/relaxer for at least two (2) years. READ MORE If you believe this applies, to you, fill out and submit our Hair Relaxer Questionnaire. HAIR RELAXER QUESTIONNAIRE

Fiffik Law Group, PC has the experienced Probate and Estate Administration attorneys necessary to help you answer tough questions, navigate tax laws, obtain appraisals, distribute assets, defend against improper claims, arrange for inventory, and obtain court approval. Probate & Estate Administration Losing a loved one is often one of the most difficult things we go through in our lives. Because of this, we approach every estate administration with compassion and thoughtfulness. We understand that you are hurting, and we want to make this process as easy for you as possible. From a legal standpoint, closing your loved one’s affairs may involve many different steps. Fiffik Law Group knows how to handle this often-difficult task with thorough, competent, and efficient guidance, so you and your family members can focus on what is important. What is Probate? Probate is the legal process where the court assigns someone to administer and distribute assets after a person’s death. Some estates, particularly those of high value or with complex assets like family businesses, can take more time to probate. Others could be easily settled by an alternative method, such as a family settlement agreement. Fiffik Law Group can assist in bringing clarity to the confusing probate process. We understand that dealing with the court system while you are devastated from the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming or stressful. Our firm will make the process as smooth as possible by taking the time to understand your particular situation, address your concerns, and explore options for a successful resolution for you and your family. Don’t get tangled in the legal system while you’re grieving a loved one. Our firm is here to help you answer tough questions, navigate tax laws, obtain appraisals, distribute assets, defend against improper claims, arrange for inventory, and obtain court approval. Common Questions for Executors 1. How do I contact the Social Security Administration? Contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit Social Security on the Internet at http://www.ssa.gov. 2. How do I report a death to the Social Security Administration? You cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online. 3. Should Social Security Payments be Returned to the Social Security Administration? Social Security benefits are paid in arrears. This means that the check received each month is in payment of the preceding month's benefits. Thus a check received in January is for December benefits. You must also understand that for a person to be entitled to receive benefits he or she must be living for the entire month. For example if a beneficiary died on Dec. 20, he or she would not be entitled to the check received in January (December benefits). If the beneficiary was being paid benefits via direct deposit, the financial institution receiving those funds should be notified. Benefits received for the month in which the death occurred and any subsequent months that may occur are not yours to keep or spend. Social Security will make arrangements to reclaim those deposits. Some beneficiaries still prefer receiving their benefits in check form rather than via direct deposit. If this is the situation you have, you should not cash any checks received for the month in which death occurred or subsequent months. These checks must be returned to Social Security as promptly as possible. If returning the checks by mail, send them by certified mail return receipt. If you return them in person to the local Social Security office make sure you obtain a receipt. Make sure you keep these receipts so that if at a future date there is a question you will have proof of returning those checks. 4. Who is Entitled to Social Security Survivor Benefits? Survivors of the deceased beneficiary may be entitled to a one-time only death benefit. Generally the one-time death benefit payment of $255 is payable to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the beneficiary at the time the death occurred or if living apart was receiving payments based on the beneficiary's Social Security account. If there is no surviving spouse the one-time death benefit will be paid to a child who was eligible for benefits on the beneficiary's account during the month in which the death occurred. There may be family members who are eligible for survivor's benefits. Those who may qualify are widows, widowers, dependent children and dependent parents. If you feel you are entitled to survivor benefits contact Social Security as soon as possible. If you are divorced, you are not entitled to the one-time $255 death benefit. However, if you are collecting benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings, those benefits may be subject to change from ex-spousal benefits to full benefits upon his or her death. 5. How do I report a Death for a Recipient of Medical Assistance Benefits? When a recipient dies, the personal representative of the deceased recipient’s estate shall give notice to the department requesting a statement of claim, which is an accounting of all Medical Assistance payments made for the decedent for nursing home services, home and community based services and related hospital and prescription drug services. The notice shall be sent by certified mail return receipt or fax, with the deceased’s name, deceased’s last known address, deceased’s Social Security number, deceased’s date of birth, deceased’s date of death, and written documentation of the gross value of the deceased’s estate to: Division of Third Party Liability Department of Human Services Estate Recovery Program P.O. Box 8486 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8486 Fax # (717) 772-6553 Please be sure to include the personal representative’s name, address, and telephone number in the letter so the Medical Assistance Estate Recovery staff can respond. Within 45 days of receipt of an accurate and complete notice, the Department of Human Services must send to the personal representative of the estate, a statement of claim listing the amount of Medical Assistance paid. If the personal representative of the estate has questions about the amount owed or disagrees with it, he or she should contact the Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Program by telephone or letter. The Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Program will address any issues regarding the claim with the personal representative of the estate. 6. What Property of a Decedent is Subject to Estate Recovery for Medical Assistance Benefits? Any property or assets that are part of the deceased’s estate are subject to Medical Assistance Estate Recovery. An estate includes property or assets owned entirely or in part by the deceased. Medical Assistance Estate Recovery only recovers estate property or assets. 7. What happens if the spouse or a dependent child is still living after the Medical Assistance recipient dies? If the spouse is still living and the property passes to the surviving spouse outside of the estate, there is no recovery by the Department of Human Services. If there is a dependent child who is under age 21, recovery will be postponed until the child reaches age 21. For an adult child who is blind or totally and permanently disabled, recovery will be postponed until the adult child dies. 8. May I pay the funeral expenses from the decedent’s bank account without commencing and estate administration proceeding? Yes, if the balance of the account is less than $10,000. When someone dies, it’s not unusual to leave behind a bank account in that person’s name alone, rather than in an account held jointly or with a named beneficiary. Under Pennsylvania law, someone will have to open a probate estate for such accounts over $10,000. That means going to the Register of Wills office, filing papers, and going through a somewhat involved procedure, sometimes to close only one bank account. But if the account is $10,000 or less in value, Pennsylvania law allows next of kin to obtain funds remaining in the account with no need to open a probate estate. This rule is found in Pennsylvania’s statutes at 20 Pa. C.S. § 3101(b). It requires a family member to present to the bank a receipt (or an affidavit of a licensed funeral director) showing that “satisfactory arrangements for payment of funeral services have been made.” The bank must then pay the amount on deposit “to the spouse, any child, the father or mother or any sister or brother (preference being given in the order named) of the deceased depositor.” 9. How do I report a Death to the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS)? If you are a family member or responsible for the estate of a person receiving a monthly benefit payment from PSERS and wish to report the death of a retiree or survivor annuitant, please call them at 1.888.773.7748, or by email at ContactPSERS@pa.gov Information regarding the retirement option selected or remaining value of the account will not be released by phone or email. A copy of the death certificate, along with a letter stating your contact information, should be mailed to: DPC PSERS 5 N 5th Street Harrisburg PA 17101-1905 After PSERS receives this information, additional forms and/or information pertaining to the account will be sent to you and/or any named beneficiaries. 10. Should I close the decedent’s checking account(s) right away? We suggest that you leave a decedent’s checking account open for at least three months following the date of death. There are several reasons: i) to allow checks written prior to death to clear; ii) if you receive a check in the decedent’s name, it may be easier to deposit it in the checking account rather than an account opened for the estate; iii) to allow for previously arranged automatic deposits for wages, benefits, dividends, etc. 11. How do I get additional death certificates? The Pennsylvania Department of Health allows you to submit a request for a death certificate online here. Applicants can also mail paper applications to the Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Paper applications can be printed here. Both the online and paper applications allow you to specify the number of copies needed at $20.00 per certificate. Currently, the processing time for applications is approximately 3 weeks. 12. I’ve been appointed as an Executor to my loved ones Estate, do I need to accept the appointment? If you have been appointed to be the executor of an estate, you have the option to renounce the appointment. In these circumstances an alternative executor, if named in the decedent’s Will, or the next of kin as outlined by state succession laws, can step in as the estate’s executor. 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