Administering someone's estate is a major responsibility. A person in this role will have several duties, from collecting assets and notifying heirs to paying taxes and selling property. Considering how much a person must do in this position, it is not unusual to run...
Estate Planning
Basic components of an estate plan
Estate planning can be an intimidating, uncomfortable topic to think about. Thus, people tend to put off estate planning or rush through the process without giving it the consideration it deserves. However, these approaches can result in costly oversights and gaps in...
Is it time to update your estate plan?
The start of a new year is a popular time for people to make some changes. They might try a find a more fulfilling job or resolve to quit bad habits. A new year can also be an excellent opportunity to take care of some administrative tasks that you do not think about...
Different types of trusts to consider for your children
Planning your legacy is no small feat, especially when you have children. Parents often want to leave behind something their kids can benefit from, whether that comes in the form of money, property or guidance. And deciding how to do this can be confusing. For...
Who are your substitute decision-makers?
Think about the decisions you have made for yourself recently. You may have decided to make a big purchase, move into a new home or go to the doctor when you were sick. If you are a parent, you may have had to decide what your kids will do regarding school in the...
Dos and don’ts of disinheriting someone in Pennsylvania
An estate plan should reflect what you want to happen in terms of the care you receive at the end of your life and how you want your property distributed. These are intensely personal decisions and putting them into legally valid documents like a Will can ensure your...
Was your loved one the victim of undue influence?
A person’s Last Will and Testament is a valuable legal document that should reflect his or her wishes concerning property distribution and care of his or her children. A Will can also provide critical guidance and direction to loved ones during an upsetting time....
Estate planning for new parents
If you recently became a parent, you probably know just how much changes after welcoming a baby into your family. You have different priorities, different expenses and perhaps a different outlook on life. Because of all that changes when you become a parent, it is...
What does estate administration entail?
Administering a person's estate can be very complex. There can be disputes, legal obstacles and delays that make the already-difficult event of a person's death more upsetting. While this process affects many people connected to the decedent, managing the details of...
Key planning tool for some PA parents: the special needs trust
Parents across Pennsylvania love their children, without regard to the personal attributes and abilities that set them apart. One son or daughter might be blessed by outsized abilities in multiple areas. Another might face mental and/or physical disabilities that...
