Wills

The goal of a well written Will is to make sure that your final wishes are carried out as you intend. But if the Will is not properly signed and witnessed, it will not be effective. A properly written Will includes provisions for minor children, tax savings, beneficiary protection against creditor claims, and the appointment of your representative to carry out your instructions. Everyone should have a well written Will.

Power of Attorney

Life is uncertain. If an accident or illness suddenly renders you unable to manage your affairs, a Power of Attorney will protect you and your family. While a Court appointed guardianship can partially take the place of a Power of Attorney, guardianships are expensive and time consuming and place your family members under the jurisdiction of the Court. A Power of Attorney keeps family matters private and allows the instant ability to continue management of your affairs if you become unable to handle them directly. Everyone should have a well written Power of Attorney.

Living Will

Many people feel strongly about expressing their wishes concerning future medical treatment. Living Wills allow you to control future medical treatment and use of life sustaining devices.

Health Care Power of Attorney

A Healthcare Power of Attorney designates an individual you trust with the ability to make healthcare decisions if you become unable to make them yourself. Superior in many ways to a Living Will, a Healthcare Power of Attorney allows an individual with good judgment the ability to make decisions based on the actual circumstances at the time of the healthcare crisis. Everyone should have a well written Healthcare Power of Attorney. 

Trusts

The proper use of trusts can be a key part of estate planning. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts can provide significant federal estate tax savings. Proper use of Revocable Trusts can avoid ancillary administration in other states and can provide continuity in the immediate administration of assets between generations. Those serving as Trustees need proper guidance in meeting the obligations of a trustee. We have years of experience in providing this help and guidance. 

Estate Planning

The main focus of estate planning is to develop a plan that will carry out your wishes in the most cost effective way possible. When we prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Powers for our clients, we review their overall planning goals in every case to make sure that all documents we prepare work together to fulfill our client’s desires.

Estate Administration

We have represented Executors and Administrators with the assurance for more than thirty-five (35) years and guide them through every issue in the estate administration process, including the preparation and filing of the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Return. We have developed many relationships over the years with appraisers, auctioneers, and others involved in the estate administration process to make the job of the Executor as painless as possible under the circumstances. In those rare cases where going to court is necessary, our experience provides our Executors and Administrators with the assurance that the Court will approve their actions in following our advice.

"Thank you all so much for all the hard work and diligence you put into the handling of our parent’s estate. Our family is forever grateful" - Joe M.