Wills, Estates & Powers of Attorney
Estate Administration:
A relative of mine has died and I am named as Executor in the Will, can your firm assist me?
Yes. Our estate administration attorneys will guide you through the Pennsylvania probate system to ensure that all steps required by Pennsylvania Law are completed, including but not limited to, the payment of inheritance taxes and the final distribution of assets in accordance with the wishes of the decedent.
What if my relative died without a Will? Can you help?
Yes. The estate administration process is very similar if the decedent died with or without a Will. Our attorneys will explain the differences and can guide you through the probate process in that situation.
What happens if I am named as a beneficiary in the Will?
Our attorneys can assist you during the probate process to ensure you receive what is due to you according to the Will.
Estate Planning:
I already have a will. What else do I need?
You may need a comprehensive estate plan that will organize your affairs both while you are living and after you have passed away.
There are important decisions to be made about your health, your wishes, and your assets during your lifetime, as well as after you have passed away.
What is included in a typical estate plan?
Depending on your circumstances, a typical estate plan may involve documents such as:
- Last Will and Testament
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Power of Attorney/Living Will/Advanced Directive
- Living Trust
What are typical decisions that I will need to make?
- What are your beliefs and preferences regarding life support?
- If you were unable to speak for yourself, who would you want to make health care decisions on your behalf?
- Who should make financial decisions for you if you were incapacitated?
- Who should become guardian of your children if you and your spouse die?
- Who should be in charge of your estate and who should receive your assets upon death?
Although it can be difficult to think about these questions while you are in good health, it is even more difficult for grieving families to try to answer those questions when a loved one is incapacitated or dies with no plan in place.
By developing an estate plan, you create peace of mind now while ensuring family peace in the future.
Is creating an estate plan a one-time process?
Life is full of changes, and with that in mind we recommend that our clients review and update their estate plan documents at least once per year.
This ensures that any changes in family situation, financial circumstances, or estate law are reflected in your plan and that your wishes will be carried out exactly as you want.