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...
Estate Planning
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...
How wills are validated in Pennsylvania
The first step of the probate process is establishing that the testator’s last will and testament is authentic and valid. In many states, wills are only valid when they are signed in front of witnesses who then sign the document themselves, but witnesses are not...
The elements of a quality estate plan
One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not having an estate plan. Without a will, trust or other plan documents, there is no way to know for sure that your Pennsylvania estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes. Furthermore, a lack of...
Do young adults need to choose someone for power of attorney?
When people in Pennsylvania talk about power of attorney, they're typically talking about older adults. However, you don't have to be elderly to have a medical emergency. If you're a parent, you want to stay updated when your child has a medical condition, but when...
Establishing a trust for a special needs child
When you are a parent of a special needs child, you want to care for them in the best way possible. As part of that, you need to think about the long-term, especially how to provide for your child when you pass away. Most likely, you want to ensure your child...