Many Pennsylvania residents name one of their children as the executor of their wills. If one or both of your parents have designated you as their executor, you will deal with a range of emotions in addition to the administrative tasks involved in administering the...
Estate Planning
What to put in your estate plan
Items in your estate such as a Pennsylvania home, a car or funds in a bank account will need to be accounted for after your death. You can do this by using a will or by shifting assets outside of your estate through a trust. A trust can also be used to manage your...
Should my young adult child have a power of attorney?
Although Pennsylvania estate plan advisers advise the creation of a durable power of attorney for your finances during your later years, is the same document viable for a young adult just embarking on life? After a child reaches his or her 18th birthday, they are...
The importance of drafting end-of-life directives
As they age, many Pennsylvania residents prefer to remain in their homes because they are more comfortable in familiar surroundings. While such situations may make elders happier, staying in one's home can pose potential problems as health declines. If you think this...
The disadvantages of probate in Pennsylvania
Probate is a legal process in Pennsylvania that most people try to avoid. Although it helps, it may be unnecessary, given the numerous other ways to distribute assets to your loved ones. Understanding probate Probate consists of authenticating a decedent's will and...
How to reduce tension as an executor in Pennsylvania
It's an honor for someone in Pennsylvania to entrust you to carry out their wishes and care for their loved ones and estate. But, dealing with taxes, creditors, squabbling family members, and sometimes assets that are outside the state, with the court watching your...
Big Life Changes mean updating your estate
No one knows what the future holds. That is why it is important to have an estate plan in place - to ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of in case something happens to you. As time goes on, however, lives change and those changes call for updates to an...
Commonly overlooked parts of an estate plan
It’s never too early for Pennsylvania residents to begin planning their estate. However, whether you’re a novice at it or a pro, it’s important not to overlook certain parts of your plan. Change your beneficiaries Many people make the mistake of not changing or...
What documents are needed for estate planning?
As you get older, you will need to think about planning your estate. This is an issue that needs to be tackled while you still have the power to plan for it. There are a number of legal issues you will have to handle, so here are some of the most important documents...
Estate planning for blended families
Blended families can bring a sense of joy and belonging in the home. However, stepparents and biological parents have to make sure there is a plan in place to take care of everyone in the immediate family if anything were to happen. Estate planning for blended...