Although a recent in-depth article written by industry insiders spotlighting estate administration touches on many points, its bottom-line message for would-be planners is both pointed and simple. That is this: Count on challenges to arise down the road for heirs and...
An Effective Trust Requires a Fair and Informed Trustee
We point out on our website that comprehensive and tailored estate planning can be a dynamically integrated exercise. What we specifically underscore in that observation is that a well-executed plan often entails far more than a will alone. Although that instrument is...
Avoid these 5 common estate planning mistakes
Regardless of the assets you hold or the size of your estate, the same mistakes can quickly derail any plans you might have for distributing your property. Luckily, you can easily avoid many of these mistakes with a little extra planning. The most common errors in...
How might a revocable trust promote estate planning interests?
We mentioned revocable trusts in a recent blog post, and also spotlight them on a relevant estate planning page of our website at . We note therein their value as flexible legal instruments enabling a creator (sometimes called a trustor or...
The great utility of trusts for many Pennsylvania estate planners
One of the enduring myths attached to estate planning is that the creation of a sound legal strategy concerning the future is most relevant to well-heeled and comparatively older individuals and families. In fact, a well-tailored and timely updated estate plan makes...
Avoiding probate does not mean avoiding taxes
Estate planning is a complicated process, and writing a last will and testament alone can create some tension and make people want to put the process off. But every day without a plan for passing on property and assets puts undue risk on family, friends and benevolent...
Planning for Digital Assets in Pennsylvania
Traditional estate planning has addressed how a person might leave their assets to their family and friends after their death. "My children are to receive my property but my best friend will get my dog, Daisy, and all things associated with her" a client might say....
The three most common probate questions answered
If a loved one has recently passed away, you may be designated the logistical task of dealing with the probate process. Probate can take a lot of time, and some problems can arise depending on the complexity of the estate, as well as the terms of the will. If you are...
Estate planning is more than just a will
It's easy to think that estate planning is as simple as having a will and maybe putting a big asset into a trust for the future. Even this may seem complicated to some minimalist estate planners. But there are many considerations that people with the most modest of...
When do you need to update your estate plan?
If you have already taken on the important tasks associated with estate planning, you deserve praise for your forward-thinking approach to life. You have now protected your assets and heirs, made important end-of-life decisions and assured that your health care and...
